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Occupational Summary for Respiratory Therapists (29-1126)
Oregon Statewide
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Description: Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
Employment Projections
Region Employment Projected Annual Openings
2008 2018 Growth Replacement Total
Oregon Statewide 1,077 1,301 22 22 44
Current Job Openings
Job Title Location Order Number Wage Offered
Respiratory Therapist Madras 709920 $23.55/hr DOE
Supervisor, Cardiopulmonary Tillamook 709118 DOE, Neg.
Respiratory Therapist-Registered-73602 Hillsboro 713947
Respiratory Therapist - 1016788 Springfield 714978 $21.99/hr to $33.25/hr
Respiratory Therapist Coos County 718737 $13.00/hr DOE
Polysomonographic Technologist 00014830 Springfield 719490 $22.43/hr to $31.40/hr
Respiratory Therapist - Registered Newport 721780
Respiratory Therapist - Registered Newport 721781
Respiratory Care Practitioner - 00014906 Springfield 721064 $22.43/hr to $31.40/hr
Wages
Region ----- 2010 Wages -----
Median Hourly Avg
Annual		 Middle Range
Oregon Statewide $27.37 $56,417 $23.87 - 30.63
Industries of Employment
private sector only
Industry 2008
Employment
Total, All Industries 1,077
Health Care and Social Assistance 871
Retail Trade 27
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 19
Occupations with Similar Skills
Occupation Skill Overlap
Registered Nurses 52%
Respiratory Therapy Technicians 51%
Recreational Therapists 48%
Therapists, All Other 46%
Occupational Therapists 45%
Statewide Employment Analysis
2008 employment is estimated to be at about the regional average. This occupation is expected to grow at a much faster rate than the regional average. Total job openings are projected to be at about the regional average.

Reasonable employment opportunities exist for trained workers.

Educational Requirements
Workers must have an associate to gain the necessary skills for this occupation. However, those with a bachelor's degree have a competitive advantage in this labor market.