Get Started as a Respiratory Therapist in Wisconsin
A career as a respiratory therapist in Wisconsin offers good income potential and jobs growth. In fact the Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that demand for respiratory therapists will increase by 19% betw5
een 2019 to 2029.
To become a respiratory therapist in Wisconsin it is a requirement that you graduate from an accredited respiratory therapist school. Once you have graduated you will then need to apply for a license before you can begin working. Certification is not a necessity but it does provide additional assurances as to your skills and competencies.
Browse Contents:
- Find a Respiratory Therapist School in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Certification and Licensing Requirements
- How much do Respiratory Therapists make in Wisconsin?
- Respiratory Therapist Employment Outlook Wisconsin
Respiratory Therapist Schools in Wisconsin
School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|
Madison Area Technical College | Madison | AAS Degree | Learn More |
Chippewa Valley Technical College | Eau Claire | AS Degree | Learn More |
Madison Area Technical College | Madison | AAS Degree | * |
Mid-State Technical College | Marshfield | AAS Degree | Learn More |
Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee | AS Degree | * |
Moraine Park Technical College | Du Lac | AS Degree | Learn More |
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay | AS Degree | Learn More |
Western Technical College | LaCrosse | AAS Degree | Learn More |
The Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC) is the organization in charge of accreditation for respiratory therapist schools.
There are 8 accredited respiratory therapy schools in Wisconsin.
You have the option of completing an associates degree (2 years) or a bachelors degree (4 years) in your path to becoming a respiratory therapist . 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.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist course curriculum and admissions
Wisconsin Respiratory License and Certification Requirements
Respiratory therapist certification is optional in Wisconsin. However licensing is an important prerequisite to securing employment as a respiratory therapist in the state.
The Division Of Professional Licensing governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Wisconsin. You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 608-266-2112
Website: drl.wi.gov
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Wisconsin
Average Salary | $64,320 |
Hourly Wage | $30.92 |
Top 10% | $79,250 |
Bottom 10% | $52,250 |
Employed | 2,270 |
The average respiratory therapist salary in Wisconsin is $64,320 – 1% more than the national average.*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (2019).
This equates to an average hourly wage of $30.92.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Wisconsin have grown by 9%, or $5,430, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Wisconsin had an average salary of $79,250
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $52,250
- Respiratory therapists working in Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis earned the highest average salary in the state at $65,840
- Those working in Eau Claire have the lowest average salary level at $61,970.
The table below further breaks down salary across the larger metro areas in the state.
Metro Area | Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | Employed |
---|---|---|---|---|
Appleton | $62,370 | $77,480 | $52,720 | 90 |
Eau Claire | $61,970 | $79,210 | $46,040 | 120 |
Green Bay | $63,870 | $78,390 | $52,160 | 180 |
Janesville-Beloit | $63,550 | $78,340 | $50,250 | 50 |
La Crosse-Onalaska | $64,010 | $78,080 | $51,870 | 120 |
Madison | $64,530 | $80,160 | $52,510 | 270 |
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis | $65,840 | $80,170 | $54,030 | 690 |
Oshkosh-Neenah | $64,840 | $78,380 | $52,240 | 40 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Wisconsin
There are currently 2,270 people employed as respiratory therapists in Wisconsin. This number has grown significantly by 26%, or 470 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in Wisconsin are in Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Wisconsin;
Career | Salary | Employment |
---|---|---|
Respiratory Therapist | $64,320 | 2,270 |
Physical Therapist | $88,570 | 5,590 |
Occupational Therapist | $76,270 | 3,550 |
Speech & Language Therapist | $73,010 | 2,360 |
Related Content
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Wisconsin. You might also be interested in the following related content:
- Online classes