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

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Maryland employs 1,800 respiratory therapists, with a statewide median of $88,960 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maryland licensing picture, and where to train.

What Respiratory therapists Earn in Maryland (May 2025)

Maryland median pay: $88,960 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $69,550
Experienced (75th percentile): $101,340
Top earners (90th percentile): $106,430
Employed in Maryland: 1,800
U.S. median (for comparison): $80,450 (May 2024)

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

Washington DC metro: $101,990 (1,850 employed)
Baltimore: $88,020 (960 employed)
Hagerstown: $74,300 (70 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Maryland

Prices in Maryland run about 5% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $88,960 median is worth closer to $84,724 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Maryland (2024–2034)

Maryland is projected to grow respiratory therapists employment +13.0%, faster than the +12.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 110 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Maryland License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (LRCP) — regulated by the Maryland Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners — Maryland Department of Health.

Graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program at CCBC, Wor-Wic Community College (Salisbury), or Carroll Community College.
Pass the NBRC Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam. Maryland requires the RRT credential for full licensure — CRT alone is insufficient for an LRCP license.
Apply to the Maryland Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners (MD DOH) for your state license. Renew every two years.

Official requirements: Maryland Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners — Maryland Department of Health →

Training in Maryland

Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical System, MedStar Health, and Luminis Health are major respiratory care employers. Johns Hopkins's academic medical center is a world leader in pulmonary and critical care medicine, creating demanding and rewarding RT environments. Maryland RT wages are significantly above the national median, reflecting the DC Metro area market.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maryland include:

Allegany College of Maryland — Associate
Anne Arundel Community College — Associate
Baltimore City Community College — Associate
Carroll Community College — Associate

Where Respiratory therapists Work in Maryland

Real Maryland hospitals that employ respiratory therapists include:

The Johns Hopkins Hospital — Baltimore
University of Maryland Medical Center — Baltimore
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center — Bethesda
Springfield Hospital Center — Sykesville
Clinical Center-Natl Inst of Health — Bethesda
Perry Point VA Medical Center — Perry Point

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 Maryland?

The median wage for respiratory therapists in Maryland is $88,960 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $69,550, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $106,430. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (LRCP), overseen by the Maryland Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners — Maryland Department of Health. Graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program at CCBC, Wor-Wic Community College (Salisbury), or Carroll Community College.

Is being a Respiratory Therapist a good career in Maryland?

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

Which Maryland metros pay respiratory therapists the most?

Among Maryland metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $101,990, followed by Baltimore ($88,020), Hagerstown ($74,300). 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 Maryland?

Real Maryland options include Allegany College of Maryland, Anne Arundel Community College, Baltimore City Community 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 Maryland?

Maryland projects respiratory therapists employment to change +13.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 110 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), Maryland statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1126. Licensing summary compiled from the Maryland Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners — Maryland Department of Health (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 Maryland wages · Maryland 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.