Respiratory Therapist in Georgia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Georgia employs 5,150 respiratory therapists, with a statewide median of $83,700 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Georgia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Respiratory therapists Earn in Georgia (May 2025)
- Georgia median pay
- $83,700 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $65,050
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $101,690
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $112,320
- Employed in Georgia
- 5,150
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $80,450 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for respiratory therapists in major Georgia markets:
- Atlanta metro
- $95,520 (2,670 employed)
- Macon
- $80,730 (180 employed)
- Augusta
- $78,560 (350 employed)
- Savannah
- $78,200 (240 employed)
- Columbus
- $77,150 (150 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Georgia
Prices in Georgia run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $83,700 median stretches to roughly $86,916 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Georgia (2024–2034)
Georgia is projected to grow respiratory therapists employment +19.4%, faster than the +12.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 360 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Georgia License and Certification Requirements
Respiratory Care Professional license — regulated by the Georgia Composite Medical Board.
- Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program (associate degree minimum).
- Pass the NBRC examination (RRT preferred by major systems).
- Apply through the Georgia Composite Medical Board.
Official requirements: Georgia Composite Medical Board →
Training in Georgia
Atlanta's hospital systems plus strong regional centers (Savannah, Augusta, Macon) hire continuously. Technical college CoARC programs keep training affordable.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Georgia include:
- Albany State University — Associate / Bachelor's
- Albany Technical College — Associate
- Andrew College — Associate
- Athens Technical College — Associate
Where Respiratory therapists Work in Georgia
Real Georgia hospitals that employ respiratory therapists include:
- Augusta VA Medical Center — Augusta
- Grady Memorial Hospital — Atlanta
- Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital — Albany
- Emory University Hospital — Atlanta
- Atrium Health Navicent the Medical Center — Macon
- Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center — Marietta
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 Georgia?
The median wage for respiratory therapists in Georgia is $83,700 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $65,050, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $112,320. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Georgia?
Respiratory Care Professional license, overseen by the Georgia Composite Medical Board. Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program (associate degree minimum).
Is being a Respiratory Therapist a good career in Georgia?
Respiratory care involves bedside judgment, equipment, urgent patient needs, and licensed clinical responsibility.
Which Georgia metros pay respiratory therapists the most?
Among Georgia metro areas, Atlanta metro leads at $95,520, followed by Macon ($80,730), Augusta ($78,560). 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 Georgia?
Real Georgia options include Albany State University, Albany Technical College, Andrew College. Most respiratory therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Respiratory Therapist a growing career in Georgia?
Georgia projects respiratory therapists employment to change +19.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 360 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), Georgia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1126. Licensing summary compiled from the Georgia Composite Medical Board (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 Georgia wages · Georgia 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.