Respiratory Therapist in New York: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
New York employs 7,010 respiratory therapists, with a statewide median of $107,810 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New York licensing picture, and where to train.
What Respiratory therapists Earn in New York (May 2025)
- New York median pay
- $107,810 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $81,270
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $126,880
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $131,500
- Employed in New York
- 7,010
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $80,450 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for respiratory therapists in major New York markets:
- New York City metro
- $110,490 (7,010 employed)
- Hudson Valley
- $106,910 (240 employed)
- Buffalo
- $86,720 (510 employed)
- Syracuse
- $85,860 (280 employed)
- Albany
- $85,250 (300 employed)
- Rochester
- $82,990 (410 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New York
Prices in New York run about 8% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $107,810 median is worth closer to $99,917 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New York (2024–2034)
New York is projected to grow respiratory therapists employment +13.5%, faster than the +12.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 510 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New York License and Certification Requirements
Respiratory Therapist license (NYSED) — regulated by the NYS Education Department — Office of the Professions.
- Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program (associate degree minimum).
- Pass the NBRC examination (RRT preferred by major NY employers).
- Apply through NYSED's Office of the Professions ($294 licensure fee).
Official requirements: NYS Education Department — Office of the Professions →
Training in New York
New York hospital density — especially the NYC systems — keeps respiratory therapists in continuous demand. SUNY/CUNY programs feed the pipeline at community college prices.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New York include:
- Alfred University — Bachelor's
- Arnot Ogden Medical Center — Associate
- CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College — Associate
- CUNY Bronx Community College — Associate
Where Respiratory therapists Work in New York
Real New York hospitals that employ respiratory therapists include:
- VA Hosp — Northport
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital — New York
- VA Hosp — Montrose
- VA Hosp — Canandaigua
- Montefiore Medical Center — Bronx
- VA Hosp — Bronx
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 New York?
The median wage for respiratory therapists in New York is $107,810 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $81,270, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $131,500. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in New York?
Respiratory Therapist license (NYSED), overseen by the NYS Education Department — Office of the Professions. Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program (associate degree minimum).
Is being a Respiratory Therapist a good career in New York?
Respiratory care involves bedside judgment, equipment, urgent patient needs, and licensed clinical responsibility.
Which New York metros pay respiratory therapists the most?
Among New York metro areas, New York City metro leads at $110,490, followed by Hudson Valley ($106,910), Buffalo ($86,720). 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 New York?
Real New York options include Alfred University, Arnot Ogden Medical Center, CUNY Borough of Manhattan 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 New York?
New York projects respiratory therapists employment to change +13.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 510 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), New York statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1126. Licensing summary compiled from the NYS Education Department — Office of the Professions (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 New York wages · New York 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.