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Respiratory Therapist in Connecticut: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Connecticut employs 1,370 respiratory therapists, with a statewide median of $85,230 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Connecticut licensing picture, and where to train.

What Respiratory therapists Earn in Connecticut (May 2025)

Connecticut median pay: $85,230 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $72,410
Experienced (75th percentile): $98,010
Top earners (90th percentile): $121,620
Employed in Connecticut: 1,370
U.S. median (for comparison): $80,450 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for respiratory therapists in major Connecticut markets:

Bridgeport: $98,010 (260 employed)
Waterbury: $89,660 (140 employed)
New Haven: $85,230 (240 employed)
Hartford: $81,770 (550 employed)
Norwich: $78,700 (80 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Connecticut

Prices in Connecticut run about 4% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $85,230 median is worth closer to $82,268 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Connecticut (2024–2034)

Connecticut is projected to grow respiratory therapists employment +10.2%, slower than the +12.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 90 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Connecticut License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner — regulated by the Connecticut Dept. of Public Health (DPH).

Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam.
Apply for licensure through the Connecticut DPH; renew with continuing education.

Official requirements: Connecticut Dept. of Public Health (DPH) →

Training in Connecticut

Employers expect the RRT credential. Steady hospital demand; CoARC community-college programs keep tuition reasonable.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Connecticut include:

Central Connecticut State University — Bachelor's
Connecticut State Community College — Associate
Goodwin University — Associate
Quinnipiac University — Bachelor's

Where Respiratory therapists Work in Connecticut

Real Connecticut hospitals that employ respiratory therapists include:

Yale-New Haven Hospital — New Haven
Hartford Hospital — Hartford
Veterans Administration Hospital — West Haven
Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center — Hartford
Bridgeport Hospital — Bridgeport
St Vincent's Medical Center — Bridgeport

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 Connecticut?

The median wage for respiratory therapists in Connecticut is $85,230 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $72,410, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $121,620. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Connecticut?

Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner, overseen by the Connecticut Dept. of Public Health (DPH). Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.

Is being a Respiratory Therapist a good career in Connecticut?

Respiratory care involves bedside judgment, equipment, urgent patient needs, and licensed clinical responsibility.

Which Connecticut metros pay respiratory therapists the most?

Among Connecticut metro areas, Bridgeport leads at $98,010, followed by Waterbury ($89,660), New Haven ($85,230). 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 Connecticut?

Real Connecticut options include Central Connecticut State University, Connecticut State Community College, Goodwin University. Most respiratory therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Respiratory Therapist a growing career in Connecticut?

Connecticut projects respiratory therapists employment to change +10.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 90 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), Connecticut statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1126. Licensing summary compiled from the Connecticut Dept. of Public Health (DPH) (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 Connecticut wages · Connecticut 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.