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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
2006 2016 Growth Replacement Total
Oregon Statewide 1,063 1,324 26 39 65
Current Job Openings
Job Title Location Order Number Wage Offered
Registered Respiratory Therapist Baker City 665986 DOE
Registered Respiratory Therapist #59213 Portland 662623 $21.62/hr to $32.96/hr
Respiratory Equipment Technician Springfield 659932 $22.43/hr to $31.40/hr
Respiratory Care Practitioner Nicu ( 12 - Hour ) - 00011688 Springfield 647613 $22.43/hr to $31.40/hr
Respiratory Care Practioner # 00011047 Springfield 635857 $22.43/hr to $31.40/hr
Respiratory Therapist (Ann 090831 A) Bay Area 635378 DOE
Respiratory Therapist, Registered Seaside 621183 $21.62/hr to $33.66/hr
Wages
Region ----- 2009 Wages -----
Median Hourly Avg
Annual		 Middle Range
Oregon Statewide $27.21 $56,168 $23.83 - 30.35
Industries of Employment
private sector only
Industry 2006
Employment
Total, All Industries 1,063
Health Care and Social Assistance 843
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 38
Retail Trade 20
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 18
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
2006 employment is estimated to be at about the statewide average. This occupation is expected to grow somewhat faster than the statewide average. Total job openings are projected to be at about the statewide average.

Reasonable employment opportunities exist for trained workers.

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