Respiratory Therapist in Massachusetts: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Massachusetts employs 2,220 respiratory therapists, with a statewide median of $102,170 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Massachusetts licensing picture, and where to train.
What Respiratory therapists Earn in Massachusetts (May 2025)
- Massachusetts median pay
- $102,170 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $80,330
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $107,930
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $123,930
- Employed in Massachusetts
- 2,220
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $80,450 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for respiratory therapists in major Massachusetts markets:
- Boston
- $104,580 (1,560 employed)
- Worcester
- $98,120 (250 employed)
- Providence
- $86,660 (420 employed)
- Springfield
- $86,030 (200 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Massachusetts
Prices in Massachusetts run about 6% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $102,170 median is worth closer to $96,569 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Massachusetts (2024–2034)
Massachusetts is projected to grow respiratory therapists employment +10.4%, slower than the +12.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 140 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Massachusetts License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Respiratory Therapist — regulated by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Respiratory Care.
- Graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program at Massasoit Community College, Quinsigamond Community College, or Springfield Technical Community College.
- Pass the NBRC Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam. Massachusetts requires the RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) credential — the higher-level NBRC credential — for full licensure; the CRT credential alone is insufficient.
- Apply to the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Respiratory Care for your state license. Renew every two years.
Official requirements: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Respiratory Care →
Training in Massachusetts
Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's, Children's Hospital Boston, and the Mass General Brigham system are premier employers. Boston Children's Hospital is a major neonatal and pediatric respiratory care employer. Massachusetts' requirement for the RRT (not just CRT) raises the bar and the earning potential — expect higher wages than the national median.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Massachusetts include:
- Anna Maria College — Bachelor's
- Berkshire Community College — Associate
- Boston University — Bachelor's
- Bridgewater State University — Bachelor's
Where Respiratory therapists Work in Massachusetts
Real Massachusetts hospitals that employ respiratory therapists include:
- VA Hosp — Northampton
- VA Hosp — Bedford
- VA Hosp — Brockton
- VA Hosp — Boston
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston
- Tewksbury Hospital — Tewksbury
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 Massachusetts?
The median wage for respiratory therapists in Massachusetts is $102,170 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $80,330, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $123,930. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Massachusetts?
Licensed Respiratory Therapist, overseen by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Respiratory Care. Graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program at Massasoit Community College, Quinsigamond Community College, or Springfield Technical Community College.
Is being a Respiratory Therapist a good career in Massachusetts?
Respiratory care involves bedside judgment, equipment, urgent patient needs, and licensed clinical responsibility.
Which Massachusetts metros pay respiratory therapists the most?
Among Massachusetts metro areas, Boston leads at $104,580, followed by Worcester ($98,120), Providence ($86,660). 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 Massachusetts?
Real Massachusetts options include Anna Maria College, Berkshire Community College, Boston 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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts projects respiratory therapists employment to change +10.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 140 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), Massachusetts statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1126. Licensing summary compiled from the Massachusetts Board of Registration 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 Massachusetts wages · Massachusetts 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.