Respiratory Therapist in District of Columbia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
District of Columbia employs 430 respiratory therapists, with a statewide median of $111,950 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact District of Columbia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Respiratory therapists Earn in District of Columbia (May 2025)
- District of Columbia median pay
- $111,950 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $77,240
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $127,400
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $127,400
- Employed in District of Columbia
- 430
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $80,450 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for respiratory therapists in major District of Columbia markets:
- Washington
- $101,990 (1,850 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in District of Columbia
Prices in District of Columbia run about 10% above the national average (cost-of-living index 109.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $111,950 median is worth closer to $101,865 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in District of Columbia (2024–2034)
District of Columbia is projected to grow respiratory therapists employment +14.5%, faster than the +12.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
District of Columbia License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner — regulated by the DC Health — Board of Respiratory Care.
- Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
- Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam.
- Apply for licensure through DC Health; renew with continuing education.
Official requirements: DC Health — Board of Respiratory Care →
Training in District of Columbia
Employers expect the RRT credential. Steady hospital demand; CoARC community-college programs keep tuition reasonable.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in District of Columbia include:
- George Washington University — Bachelor's
- Howard University — Bachelor's
- University of the District of Columbia — Bachelor's
Where Respiratory therapists Work in District of Columbia
Real District of Columbia hospitals that employ respiratory therapists include:
- Walter Reed Army Hosp — Washington
- Medstar Washington Hospital Center — Washington
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital — Washington
- Howard University Hospital Corp — Washington
- George Washington Univ Hospital — Washington
- Sibley Memorial Hospital — Washington
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 District of Columbia?
The median wage for respiratory therapists in District of Columbia is $111,950 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $77,240, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $127,400. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in District of Columbia?
Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner, overseen by the DC Health — Board of Respiratory Care. Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
Is being a Respiratory Therapist a good career in District of Columbia?
Respiratory care involves bedside judgment, equipment, urgent patient needs, and licensed clinical responsibility.
Which District of Columbia metros pay respiratory therapists the most?
Among District of Columbia metro areas, Washington leads at $101,990. 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 District of Columbia?
Real District of Columbia options include George Washington University, Howard University, University of the District of Columbia. Most respiratory therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Respiratory Therapist a growing career in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia projects respiratory therapists employment to change +14.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 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), District of Columbia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1126. Licensing summary compiled from the DC Health — Board of Respiratory Care (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 District of Columbia wages · District of Columbia 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.