Get Started as a Respiratory Therapist in Washington DC
If you are hoping to become a respiratory therapist in Washington DC (DC) then you will be pleased to learn that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of respiratory therapists will grow nationwide by 19% from 2019 to 2029.
To become a respiratory therapist in Washington DC you will need to graduate from an accredited school and obtain a license before you can begin working there.
Certification is optional but provides assurances as to an individuals skills and competencies.
Jump to:
Top Respiratory Therapist Schools in Washington DC
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Medical Institute - Renton | Renton | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| Tacoma Community College | Tacoma | AS Degree | Learn More |
Respiratory therapist schools in Washington DC are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC). There are 1 accredited schools offering respiratory therapy programs in Washington DC.
Most schools in Washington DC will offer a choice between an associates degree (2 years) or a bachelors degree (4 years). An associates degree will get you started in your career whilst a bachelors degree will open up more career doors such as supervisory and management roles.
Respiratory therapist certification is optional in Washington DC.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist program requirements
Washington DC Respiratory Therapist License
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Washington DC law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The DC Board Of Respiratory Care governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Washington DC.
You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 202-724-8826
Website: doh.dc.gov
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Washington DC
| Average Salary | $71,750 |
| Hourly Wage | $34.49 |
| Top 10% | $96,040 |
| Bottom 10% | $54,270 |
| Employed | 2080 |
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2019), the average respiratory therapist salary in Washington DC is $80,130. This is 25% above the national average.
This equates to an average hourly wage of $38.52.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Washington DC have increased significantly by 19%, or $12,610, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Washington DC had an average salary of $107,750
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $58,860
- Respiratory therapists working in – earned the highest average salary in the state at –
- Those working in – have the lowest average salary level at -.
The table below further breaks down salary for the main DC metro area.
| Metro Area | Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | $72,960 | $94,560 | $55,670 | 1,310 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Washington DC
There are currently 320 people employed as respiratory therapists in Washington DC. This number has decreased by -16%, or -60 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in Washington DC are in -.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Washington DC;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $71,750 | 2,080 |
| Physical Therapist | $88,010 | 6,160 |
| Occupational Therapist | $84,150 | 2,660 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $76,770 | 3,110 |
What next?
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Washington DC. You might also be interested in the following related pages:
- Online classes