Respiratory Therapist in Arizona: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Arizona employs 3,500 respiratory therapists, with a statewide median of $79,780 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arizona licensing picture, and where to train.
What Respiratory therapists Earn in Arizona (May 2025)
- Arizona median pay
- $79,780 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $64,780
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $86,070
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $99,180
- Employed in Arizona
- 3,500
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $80,450 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for respiratory therapists in major Arizona markets:
- Prescott
- $86,220 (60 employed)
- Phoenix
- $79,760 (2,600 employed)
- Tucson
- $78,320 (540 employed)
- Yuma
- $73,580 (80 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arizona
Prices in Arizona run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 100.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $79,780 median is worth closer to $79,225 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Arizona (2024–2034)
Arizona is projected to grow respiratory therapists employment +28.0%, faster than the +12.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 281 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arizona License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Respiratory Therapist (RT) — regulated by the Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care Examiners.
- Graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program (associate or bachelor's degree, typically 2 years) covering mechanical ventilation, airway management, and cardiopulmonary diagnostics.
- Pass the NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care) Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam and, for CRT or RRT credentials, the Clinical Simulation Exam.
- Apply to the Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care Examiners for your RT license. Renew every two years with continuing education.
Official requirements: Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care Examiners →
Training in Arizona
Gateway Community College and Pima Community College offer CoARC-accredited programs. Banner Health, Dignity Health, and HonorHealth are the largest respiratory therapy employers in Arizona. Phoenix's large population of elderly residents and its status as a medical tourism destination drive steady demand.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arizona include:
- Arizona Western College — Associate
- Brookline College-Tempe — Associate
- Brookline College-Tucson — Associate
- Bryan University — Bachelor's
Where Respiratory therapists Work in Arizona
Real Arizona hospitals that employ respiratory therapists include:
- Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix — Phoenix
- Valleywise Health Medical Center — Phoenix
- Banner - University Medical Center Tucson Campus — Tucson
- Tucson Medical Center — Tucson
- Banner Desert Medical Center — Mesa
- St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center — Phoenix
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 Arizona?
The median wage for respiratory therapists in Arizona is $79,780 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $64,780, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $99,180. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Arizona?
Licensed Respiratory Therapist (RT), overseen by the Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care Examiners. Graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program (associate or bachelor's degree, typically 2 years) covering mechanical ventilation, airway management, and cardiopulmonary diagnostics.
Is being a Respiratory Therapist a good career in Arizona?
Respiratory care involves bedside judgment, equipment, urgent patient needs, and licensed clinical responsibility.
Which Arizona metros pay respiratory therapists the most?
Among Arizona metro areas, Prescott leads at $86,220, followed by Phoenix ($79,760), Tucson ($78,320). 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 Arizona?
Real Arizona options include Arizona Western College, Brookline College-Tempe, Brookline College-Tucson. Most respiratory therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Respiratory Therapist a growing career in Arizona?
Arizona projects respiratory therapists employment to change +28.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 281 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), Arizona statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1126. Licensing summary compiled from the Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care Examiners (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 Arizona wages · Arizona 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.