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

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Oregon employs 1,340 respiratory therapists, with a statewide median of $100,560 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.

What Respiratory therapists Earn in Oregon (May 2025)

Oregon median pay: $100,560 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $81,490
Experienced (75th percentile): $104,360
Top earners (90th percentile): $120,060
Employed in Oregon: 1,340
U.S. median (for comparison): $80,450 (May 2024)

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

Salem: $104,360 (130 employed)
Medford: $102,780 (90 employed)
Portland: $100,030 (760 employed)
Eugene: $85,930 (120 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon

Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $100,560 median is worth closer to $97,253 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)

Oregon is projected to grow respiratory therapists employment +16.5%, faster than the +12.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 120 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Oregon License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Respiratory Therapist — regulated by the Oregon Respiratory Therapist & Polysomnographic Technologist Licensing Board.

Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam.
Apply for licensure through Oregon's licensing board; renew with continuing education.

Official requirements: Oregon Respiratory Therapist & Polysomnographic Technologist Licensing Board →

Training in Oregon

Employers expect the RRT credential. Steady hospital demand; CoARC community-college programs keep tuition reasonable.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Oregon include:

Carrington College-Portland — Associate
Central Oregon Community College — Associate
Chemeketa Community College — Associate
Clackamas Community College — Associate

Where Respiratory therapists Work in Oregon

Real Oregon hospitals that employ respiratory therapists include:

Oregon State Hospital Distinct Part — Salem
Ohsu Hospital and Clinics — Portland
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center — Portland
VA Hosp — Portland
Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center — Portland
Oregon State Hospital- Salem — Salem

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 Oregon?

The median wage for respiratory therapists in Oregon is $100,560 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $81,490, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $120,060. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Licensed Respiratory Therapist, overseen by the Oregon Respiratory Therapist & Polysomnographic Technologist Licensing Board. Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.

Is being a Respiratory Therapist a good career in Oregon?

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

Which Oregon metros pay respiratory therapists the most?

Among Oregon metro areas, Salem leads at $104,360, followed by Medford ($102,780), Portland ($100,030). 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 Oregon?

Real Oregon options include Carrington College-Portland, Central Oregon Community College, Chemeketa 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 Oregon?

Oregon projects respiratory therapists employment to change +16.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 120 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1126. Licensing summary compiled from the Oregon Respiratory Therapist & Polysomnographic Technologist Licensing Board (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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.