Respiratory Therapist in Michigan: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Michigan employs 4,520 respiratory therapists, with a statewide median of $79,850 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Michigan licensing picture, and where to train.
What Respiratory therapists Earn in Michigan (May 2025)
- Michigan median pay
- $79,850 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $64,770
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $83,020
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $90,210
- Employed in Michigan
- 4,520
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $80,450 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for respiratory therapists in major Michigan markets:
- Detroit
- $80,790 (1,910 employed)
- Ann Arbor
- $79,850 (390 employed)
- Lansing
- $78,530 (160 employed)
- Grand Rapids
- $78,070 (690 employed)
- Flint
- $77,760 (150 employed)
- Kalamazoo
- $76,220 (130 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Michigan
Prices in Michigan run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $79,850 median stretches to roughly $83,004 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Michigan (2024–2034)
Michigan is projected to grow respiratory therapists employment +17.1%, faster than the +12.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 300 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Michigan License and Certification Requirements
Respiratory Therapist license — regulated by the Michigan Board of Respiratory Care (LARA).
- Earn at least an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program (about 2 years).
- Obtain a credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) — the CRT for entry, RRT for advanced practice (most Michigan hospital employers prefer RRT).
- Apply to the Michigan Board of Respiratory Care with your official NBRC credential report. Michigan notably does not require continuing education for license renewal — but most employers and NBRC credentialing do require ongoing CE.
Official requirements: Michigan Board of Respiratory Care (LARA) →
Training in Michigan
CoARC-accredited Michigan programs include Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Mott Community College, Henry Ford College, and Ferris State University. Large health systems in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing hire respiratory therapists continuously, with strong demand in adult ICU and neonatal units.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Michigan include:
- Adrian College — Bachelor's
- Albion College — Bachelor's
- Alma College — Bachelor's
- Alpena Community College — Associate
Where Respiratory therapists Work in Michigan
Real Michigan hospitals that employ respiratory therapists include:
- Battle Creek VA Medical Center — Battle Creek
- Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals Butterworth — Grand Rapids
- Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospit — Royal Oak
- Sinai-Grace Hospital — Detroit
- Henry Ford Health Hospital — Detroit
- University of Michigan Health — Ann Arbor
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 Michigan?
The median wage for respiratory therapists in Michigan is $79,850 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $64,770, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $90,210. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Michigan?
Respiratory Therapist license, overseen by the Michigan Board of Respiratory Care (LARA). Earn at least an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program (about 2 years).
Is being a Respiratory Therapist a good career in Michigan?
Respiratory care involves bedside judgment, equipment, urgent patient needs, and licensed clinical responsibility.
Which Michigan metros pay respiratory therapists the most?
Among Michigan metro areas, Detroit leads at $80,790, followed by Ann Arbor ($79,850), Lansing ($78,530). 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 Michigan?
Real Michigan options include Adrian College, Albion College, Alma 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 Michigan?
Michigan projects respiratory therapists employment to change +17.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 300 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), Michigan statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1126. Licensing summary compiled from the Michigan Board of Respiratory Care (LARA) (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 Michigan wages · Michigan 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.