Respiratory Therapist in Alaska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Alaska employs 180 respiratory therapists, with a statewide median of $97,950 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Alaska licensing picture, and where to train.
What Respiratory therapists Earn in Alaska (May 2025)
- Alaska median pay
- $97,950 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $80,250
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $101,280
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $114,590
- Employed in Alaska
- 180
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $80,450 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for respiratory therapists in major Alaska markets:
- Anchorage
- $97,950 (130 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Alaska
Prices in Alaska run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $97,950 median is worth closer to $95,654 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Alaska (2024–2034)
Alaska is projected to grow respiratory therapists employment +9.2%, slower than the +12.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 10 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Alaska License and Certification Requirements
RRT credential (employer-required); verify Alaska licensure status — regulated by the Alaska — RRT credential is the standard (confirm current state requirement).
- Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
- Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam to earn the RRT credential.
- Confirm Alaska's current licensure requirement with DCCED; employers require the RRT regardless.
Official requirements: Alaska — RRT credential is the standard (confirm current state requirement) →
Training in Alaska
Alaska has historically been light on respiratory-care licensure, but employers require the RRT. Confirm the current requirement before applying.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Alaska include:
- University of Alaska Anchorage — Associate
- University of Alaska Fairbanks — Associate
Where Respiratory therapists Work in Alaska
Real Alaska hospitals that employ respiratory therapists include:
- Providence Alaska Medical Center — Anchorage
- US Public Health Service Hosp — Anchorage
- Alaska Regional Hospital — Anchorage
- Alaska Native Medical Center — Anchorage
- Harborview Mem Hosp — Valdez
- Fairbanks Memorial Hospital — Fairbanks
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want meaningful clinical work with a focused training path.
Think twice if: Emergency settings, hospitals, and vulnerable patients feel too stressful.
Why it's resilient: Respiratory care involves bedside judgment, equipment, urgent patient needs, and licensed clinical responsibility.
First Steps
Compare accredited respiratory care programs and board exam requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Alaska?
The median wage for respiratory therapists in Alaska is $97,950 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $80,250, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $114,590. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Alaska?
RRT credential (employer-required); verify Alaska licensure status, overseen by the Alaska — RRT credential is the standard (confirm current state requirement). Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
Is being a Respiratory Therapist a good career in Alaska?
Respiratory care involves bedside judgment, equipment, urgent patient needs, and licensed clinical responsibility.
Which Alaska metros pay respiratory therapists the most?
Among Alaska metro areas, Anchorage leads at $97,950. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Respiratory Therapist in Alaska?
Real Alaska options include University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Most respiratory therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Respiratory Therapist a growing career in Alaska?
Alaska projects respiratory therapists employment to change +9.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Alaska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1126. Licensing summary compiled from the Alaska — RRT credential is the standard (confirm current state requirement) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Alaska wages · Alaska licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.