Respiratory Therapist in Nebraska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Nebraska employs 840 respiratory therapists, with a statewide median of $81,590 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nebraska licensing picture, and where to train.
What Respiratory therapists Earn in Nebraska (May 2025)
- Nebraska median pay
- $81,590 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $64,100
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $86,140
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $96,180
- Employed in Nebraska
- 840
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $80,450 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for respiratory therapists in major Nebraska markets:
- Lincoln
- $81,590 (150 employed)
- Omaha
- $81,270 (460 employed)
- Sioux City
- $63,800 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Nebraska
Prices in Nebraska run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $81,590 median stretches to roughly $90,555 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Nebraska (2024–2034)
Nebraska is projected to grow respiratory therapists employment +6.0%, slower than the +12.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Nebraska License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner — regulated by the Nebraska DHHS — Division of Public Health (Respiratory Care).
- Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
- Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam.
- Apply for licensure through Nebraska DHHS; renew with continuing education.
Official requirements: Nebraska DHHS — Division of Public Health (Respiratory Care) →
Training in Nebraska
Employers expect the RRT credential. Steady hospital demand; CoARC community-college programs keep tuition reasonable.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nebraska include:
- Bryan College of Health Sciences — Bachelor's
- CHI Health School of Radiologic Technology — Associate / Bachelor's
- Central Community College — Associate
- Clarkson College — Associate / Bachelor's
Where Respiratory therapists Work in Nebraska
Real Nebraska hospitals that employ respiratory therapists include:
- The Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha
- Bryan Medical Center — Lincoln
- VA Hospital — Omaha
- Methodist Hospital — Omaha
- Chi Health Creighton University Medical Center - B — Omaha
- Chi Health Immanuel — Omaha
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 Nebraska?
The median wage for respiratory therapists in Nebraska is $81,590 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $64,100, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $96,180. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Nebraska?
Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner, overseen by the Nebraska DHHS — Division of Public Health (Respiratory Care). Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
Is being a Respiratory Therapist a good career in Nebraska?
Respiratory care involves bedside judgment, equipment, urgent patient needs, and licensed clinical responsibility.
Which Nebraska metros pay respiratory therapists the most?
Among Nebraska metro areas, Lincoln leads at $81,590, followed by Omaha ($81,270), Sioux City ($63,800). 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 Nebraska?
Real Nebraska options include Bryan College of Health Sciences, CHI Health School of Radiologic Technology, Central 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 Nebraska?
Nebraska projects respiratory therapists employment to change +6.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 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), Nebraska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1126. Licensing summary compiled from the Nebraska DHHS — Division of Public Health (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 Nebraska wages · Nebraska 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.