Respiratory Therapist Career and Salary 2026

You’re probably here because healthcare feels like one of the few “stable” career paths left, but you still want the truth before you spend time and money on training. Respiratory therapy sounds meaningful, practical, and in demand, but what does the job actually pay in 2026, and is it worth it compared with nursing, radiology, or physical therapy?

If you’re thinking about becoming a respiratory therapist, or you’re already in the field and wondering whether you’re underpaid, this guide breaks it down in plain English.

We’ll cover what respiratory therapists do, where they work, what salaries look like in the US and Europe, how to earn more, and what the career path looks like in 2026.

Respiratory Therapist Career and Salary 2026#

Respiratory therapists, often called RTs, help patients breathe better. That sounds simple, but the work can be intense, technical, and sometimes lifesaving.

You might work with premature babies in a neonatal ICU, adults on ventilators after surgery, asthma patients in the emergency department, or people with COPD who need long-term care.

In 2026, respiratory therapy sits in a pretty interesting place. Hospitals still need skilled clinical staff, aging populations need more lung and cardiac care, and respiratory diseases remain a major issue across the US and Europe.

At the same time, healthcare workers are asking better questions:

1. Is the pay enough for the stress?
2. Can I move up without going back to school forever?
3. Are there remote or less physically demanding options later?
4. Will AI or automation affect the job?
5. Is this better than nursing?

Good questions. Let’s get into it.

What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?#

Respiratory therapists assess, treat, and monitor patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary problems.

On a regular shift, you may be doing a mix of bedside care, emergency response, equipment management, and patient education.

Common respiratory therapist duties include:

1. Giving oxygen therapy
2. Managing ventilators
3. Performing breathing treatments
4. Running pulmonary function tests
5. Assisting with intubation and airway management
6. Drawing and analyzing arterial blood gases
7. Supporting patients in intensive care units
8. Educating patients with asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea
9. Helping newborns, children, adults, and older patients breathe safely
10. Responding to emergencies such as codes and rapid response calls

This is not a “sit quietly at a desk” job in most hospital settings.

You’ll walk a lot. You’ll handle machines. You’ll talk to scared patients and families. You’ll also work closely with nurses, physicians, anesthesiologists, and ICU teams.

Where Respiratory Therapists Work

Respiratory therapists are most commonly found in hospitals, but that’s not the only path.

You can work in:

1. General hospitals
2. Emergency departments
3. Adult ICUs
4. Neonatal intensive care units
5. Pediatric ICUs
6. Long-term acute care hospitals
7. Rehabilitation hospitals
8. Sleep labs
9. Pulmonary clinics
10. Home healthcare companies
11. Medical device companies
12. Transport and flight care teams
13. Schools and community health programs

In the US, large employers can include hospital systems like HCA Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, CommonSpirit Health, Ascension, and NewYork-Presbyterian.

In Europe, RT-specific roles vary by country. You may see jobs under titles like respiratory physiologist, clinical physiologist, pulmonary function technologist, anesthesia assistant, ventilation practitioner, or physiotherapist with respiratory specialization.

Employers can include NHS trusts in the UK, Charité in Germany, AP-HP hospitals in France, HSE hospitals in Ireland, Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden, and major private healthcare groups such as Bupa, Ramsay Health Care, and Fresenius.

Is Respiratory Therapy in Demand in 2026?#

Yes, respiratory therapy remains a strong healthcare career in 2026, especially in hospital and critical care settings.

The demand comes from several factors:

1. Aging populations in the US and Europe
2. More patients with COPD, asthma, heart failure, and sleep apnea
3. Ongoing need for ICU and emergency care staff
4. Growth in home respiratory equipment and oxygen therapy
5. More awareness around lung health after COVID-era healthcare strain
6. Shortages in many clinical healthcare roles

In the US, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected steady growth for respiratory therapists over the decade. Actual local demand depends heavily on your state, hospital density, and whether you’re willing to work nights, weekends, or travel contracts.

Here’s the real talk: respiratory therapy jobs are not equally distributed.

You’ll usually see stronger hiring in:

1. Large metro areas
2. States with older populations
3. Hospital-heavy regions
4. Areas with staffing shortages
5. Long-term acute care and rehab facilities
6. Rural hospitals that struggle to recruit

If you want the best shot at strong pay, flexibility matters. Being open to night shift, ICU work, or relocating can change your salary fast.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in the US in 2026#

In the US, respiratory therapist salaries in 2026 commonly fall between $62k and $92k per year, depending on location, experience, shift, employer, and specialty.

Entry-level RTs may start around $55k to $68k, while experienced therapists in high-cost states can earn $90k to $115k+.

Travel respiratory therapists can earn more, although travel pay changes with demand. Some contracts may reach $1,800 to $2,700 per week, and crisis or hard-to-fill assignments can go higher.

Average US Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience

Here’s a realistic 2026 salary range:

1. New graduate RT: $55k to $68k
2. 1 to 3 years experience: $62k to $78k
3. 4 to 7 years experience: $72k to $88k
4. 8+ years experience: $82k to $100k+
5. Lead respiratory therapist: $85k to $110k+
6. Respiratory therapy manager: $95k to $130k+
7. Travel respiratory therapist: $90k to $140k annualized, depending on contracts

These numbers are broad because geography matters a lot.

A new RT in Mississippi or Arkansas will not usually earn the same as an experienced RT in California, Washington, or New York.

Highest Paying US States for Respiratory Therapists

In 2026, these states are often among the better-paying markets for RTs:

1. California: $85k to $120k+
2. Washington: $78k to $105k
3. New York: $75k to $105k
4. Massachusetts: $76k to $103k
5. New Jersey: $74k to $100k
6. Oregon: $75k to $100k
7. Alaska: $80k to $110k, depending on facility
8. Nevada: $72k to $98k

California tends to stand out because of high wages, strong hospital systems, and union influence in some facilities. Kaiser Permanente, UCLA Health, Stanford Health Care, Sutter Health, and Cedars-Sinai can be competitive employers, although cost of living is also high.

A salary of $105k in Los Angeles does not feel the same as $85k in San Antonio, so compare take-home pay, rent, commute, and benefits before you move.

Respiratory Therapist Hourly Pay in the US

Many respiratory therapists are paid hourly, especially in hospitals.

Typical hourly pay in 2026 may look like:

1. Entry-level: $27 to $33 per hour
2. Mid-level: $33 to $42 per hour
3. Experienced: $42 to $52 per hour
4. High-cost metro or union facility: $50 to $65+ per hour
5. Per diem: $45 to $75+ per hour, depending on region

Shift differentials can make a major difference.

Night shift, weekend shift, and holiday pay may add:

1. $2 to $8 per hour for nights
2. $3 to $10 per hour for weekends
3. Time-and-a-half or special rates for holidays
4. Extra incentive pay during staffing shortages

If you’re comparing job offers, don’t just look at base pay. Ask about differentials, overtime, call pay, parking, retirement match, health insurance premiums, and tuition support.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Europe in 2026#

Respiratory therapist jobs in Europe are a bit trickier to compare because the profession is structured differently across countries.

In some countries, respiratory care is handled by physiotherapists, nurses, clinical physiologists, anesthesia staff, or specialist technicians. So when searching, don’t only type “respiratory therapist.”

Use job titles like:

1. Respiratory physiologist
2. Clinical respiratory physiologist
3. Pulmonary function technologist
4. Sleep physiologist
5. Ventilation specialist
6. Respiratory physiotherapist
7. ICU physiotherapist
8. Anesthesia assistant
9. Cardio-respiratory technician

UK Respiratory Therapist Salary

In the UK, many respiratory roles sit within the NHS Agenda for Change pay system.

A respiratory physiologist or respiratory therapist-style role may commonly fall around Band 5 to Band 7, depending on seniority.

Typical 2026 UK salary ranges:

1. Band 5 respiratory physiologist: £29k to £36k
2. Band 6 specialist respiratory physiologist: £37k to £45k
3. Band 7 senior specialist or team lead: £46k to £53k
4. Advanced roles or management: £54k to £68k+

In private healthcare, such as Bupa, Nuffield Health, Spire Healthcare, and Ramsay Health Care UK, salaries may be higher for experienced staff, especially in sleep medicine, diagnostics, or private hospitals.

London weighting can add extra pay, but yes, London rent is still London rent. You know the deal.

Ireland Respiratory Therapist Salary

Ireland has strong demand for healthcare workers, and respiratory-related roles may sit under respiratory physiologist or clinical measurement physiologist titles.

Typical 2026 salary ranges in Ireland:

1. Junior respiratory physiologist: €38k to €48k
2. Basic grade clinical measurement physiologist: €40k to €52k
3. Senior respiratory physiologist: €55k to €70k
4. Chief or specialist roles: €70k to €85k+

Employers may include HSE hospitals, St. James’s Hospital, Mater Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, Blackrock Health, and private diagnostic clinics.

Dublin salaries can look attractive, but housing costs are a big factor. If you can land a strong role outside Dublin, your money may go further.

Germany Respiratory Therapy Salary

Germany does not always use the same RT title as the US. Respiratory care may be performed by nurses, physiotherapists, anesthesia technical assistants, or specialized pulmonary function staff.

Typical 2026 Germany ranges:

1. Pulmonary function technician: €35k to €48k
2. Respiratory physiotherapy role: €38k to €55k
3. Anesthesia technical assistant: €42k to €60k
4. Specialist ICU or ventilation role: €50k to €70k+
5. Team lead or senior clinical role: €60k to €80k+

Large employers include Charité, Helios Kliniken, Asklepios, Sana Kliniken, University Hospital Heidelberg, and LMU Klinikum Munich.

German language skills are usually essential for patient-facing roles. If you’re coming from abroad, credential recognition can take time, so plan ahead.

France, Netherlands, Spain, and Scandinavia

Across Europe, salaries vary a lot.

In France, respiratory-related clinical roles may earn around €32k to €52k, with senior hospital or specialist roles higher.

In the Netherlands, respiratory or pulmonary diagnostics roles may range around €40k to €65k, depending on qualifications and collective agreements.

In Spain, salaries may be lower, often around €25k to €45k, although private hospitals and specialist units can pay more.

In Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, respiratory-related healthcare roles may range roughly from €45k to €75k equivalent, but taxes, benefits, union agreements, and local licensing rules matter.

For Europe, always check:

1. Whether your credential is recognized
2. If you need local language fluency
3. Whether the role is hospital-based or diagnostic
4. If the job requires nursing or physiotherapy training
5. How overtime and night shifts are paid
6. Pension and paid vacation terms

A lower headline salary may come with better vacation, lower healthcare costs, and stronger worker protections. So compare the full package, not just the number.

Respiratory Therapist Education Requirements#

In the US, respiratory therapists usually need an associate degree at minimum, although many employers prefer a bachelor’s degree.

The typical path looks like this:

1. Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program
2. Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree
3. Pass credentialing exams through the NBRC
4. Become a Certified Respiratory Therapist, or CRT
5. Earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential, or RRT
6. Apply for state licensure
7. Complete continuing education to keep credentials active

Most students pursue the RRT because it opens more doors and is often preferred or required by hospitals.

Associate Degree vs Bachelor’s Degree

An associate degree can get you started faster and cheaper. Many programs take about two years.

A bachelor’s degree may help if you want leadership, education, research, management, or advanced clinical roles later.

If you’re on a budget, one smart path is:

1. Earn an associate degree
2. Start working as an RT
3. Let your employer help pay for a bachelor’s degree
4. Add specialty credentials once you know your preferred area

That way, you are not piling up debt before you even know if you like the job.

Important Respiratory Therapy Certifications

Specialty certifications can help you stand out and earn more, especially in competitive hospitals.

Useful credentials include:

1. RRT: Registered Respiratory Therapist
2. ACCS: Adult Critical Care Specialist
3. NPS: Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist
4. SDS: Sleep Disorders Specialist
5. CPFT: Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist
6. RPFT: Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist
7. AE-C: Asthma Educator Certified
8. BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP: Common life support certifications

If you want ICU, neonatal, pediatric, or transport roles, specialty credentials can make your resume much stronger.

Is Respiratory Therapy Hard?#

Yes, it can be hard. Not impossible, not “only geniuses can do it,” but definitely not easy.

You need to understand anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, ventilator settings, oxygen delivery systems, patient assessment, and emergency care.

The job can also be emotionally heavy.

You may care for patients who are critically ill, panicking, sedated, confused, or near death. You may be in rooms where families are crying. You may have to stay calm when everyone else is stressed.

The Hard Parts of the Job

Here are the parts people do not always mention in glossy career brochures:

1. You may work nights, weekends, and holidays
2. ICU work can be stressful
3. You may carry multiple pages or calls at once
4. You may be exposed to infectious diseases
5. You may deal with body fluids and airway secretions
6. Some patients may be difficult or scared
7. You may feel underrecognized compared with nurses and doctors
8. Staffing shortages can make shifts exhausting
9. You’ll need strong technical judgment
10. Documentation takes time and patience

If you hate pressure, hospitals may not be your favorite setting.

But if you like active work, problem-solving, and being useful in serious moments, respiratory therapy can be deeply satisfying.

The Good Parts of the Job

There are real positives too.

Many RTs like the career because:

1. Training is shorter than medical school or many advanced healthcare paths
2. The job has clear purpose
3. Pay can be solid, especially with experience
4. You can specialize
5. You work with advanced equipment
6. You are part of critical care teams
7. You can move into education, management, sales, or diagnostics
8. Every shift is different
9. You see the impact of your work quickly
10. Healthcare demand is not disappearing anytime soon

One minute you’re teaching someone how to use an inhaler. Next, you’re helping manage a ventilator in the ICU.

If variety keeps you awake, this career has plenty of it.

Respiratory Therapist Career Path#

One nice thing about respiratory therapy is that you do not have to stay in the same bedside role forever.

You can build a path based on what you enjoy and what your body can handle long term.

Entry-Level Respiratory Therapist

This is where most people start.

You’ll likely work in a hospital, long-term care facility, or clinic. You’ll perform treatments, monitor patients, document care, and build confidence with equipment and protocols.

Salary range: $55k to $70k in the US, or roughly €35k to €50k in many European markets, depending on country and role.

ICU or Critical Care Respiratory Therapist

After gaining experience, many RTs move into adult ICU, pediatric ICU, or neonatal ICU.

This work often pays better and can be more respected clinically, but it also comes with pressure.

Salary range: $75k to $105k+ in the US, with higher pay in California and major metro hospitals.

Neonatal or Pediatric Respiratory Therapist

If you like working with babies or children, neonatal and pediatric specialties can be a strong path.

You may work in NICU, PICU, labor and delivery support, or children’s hospitals such as Boston Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Texas Children’s Hospital, or Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Salary can be similar to ICU roles, with experienced specialists often earning $80k to $110k+ in high-paying US markets.

Pulmonary Function or Sleep Specialist

If bedside ICU stress is too much, pulmonary function testing or sleep medicine may be a better fit.

These roles often have more regular schedules. You may work in outpatient clinics, diagnostic labs, sleep centers, or pulmonary practices.

Salary range in the US: $65k to $95k, with senior sleep or pulmonary lab roles going higher.

Lead RT, Supervisor, or Manager

Leadership roles can pay well, but they also involve staffing, schedules, budgets, quality metrics, and conflict.

If you like organizing people and fixing workflow problems, this path can work.

US salary ranges:

1. Lead RT: $85k to $110k
2. Supervisor: $90k to $120k
3. Manager: $100k to $135k+
4. Director: $120k to $160k+

Hospitals such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, HCA Healthcare, and Kaiser Permanente often have layered respiratory leadership structures.

Medical Device Sales or Clinical Specialist

Some RTs move into companies that sell ventilators, CPAP machines, oxygen equipment, nebulizers, or monitoring technology.

Companies can include Philips, ResMed, Medtronic, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, GE HealthCare, Hamilton Medical, and Vyaire Medical.

Roles may include:

1. Clinical educator
2. Product trainer
3. Sales representative
4. Field clinical specialist
5. Account manager

Pay can range from $80k to $140k+ in the US, especially if commissions are involved.

This path can be great if you’re personable, organized, and comfortable with travel or sales targets.

How to Earn More as a Respiratory Therapist#

If you’re already an RT, don’t just wait for your annual raise to save you. Those 2 percent increases are not exactly buying yachts.

Here are practical ways to increase your income.

1. Get the RRT Credential

If you only have CRT, getting your RRT can open better roles and higher pay.

Many hospitals prefer RRTs for ICU positions, leadership tracks, and specialty units.

2. Choose a Higher-Paying Specialty

Not all RT work pays the same.

Higher-paying areas often include:

1. Adult ICU
2. NICU
3. PICU
4. Transport respiratory care
5. Sleep medicine
6. Pulmonary diagnostics
7. ECMO support, where available
8. Leadership
9. Clinical education
10. Medical device companies

If you’re bored or underpaid, specialization can be your next move.

3. Work Nights or Weekends

Nobody wants to hear this, but night shift can pay.

If your base rate is $38 per hour and your hospital offers a $5 night differential plus weekend premium, that can add thousands per year.

Just protect your sleep and health. Extra money is nice, but burnout is expensive too.

4. Consider Per Diem Work

Per diem roles can pay more hourly because benefits may be limited.

This works best if you already have insurance through another job, spouse, partner, or public system.

Per diem rates can be attractive in places like California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington.

5. Try Travel Contracts Carefully

Travel RT work can pay well, but read the contract like your rent depends on it, because it probably does.

Check:

1. Weekly gross pay
2. Taxable hourly rate
3. Housing stipend
4. Meal stipend
5. Guaranteed hours
6. Cancellation policy
7. Floating requirements
8. Required units
9. Health insurance
10. Overtime rates

Do not compare only weekly gross numbers. A $2,400 weekly contract with expensive housing may not beat a $2,000 contract in a cheaper city.

6. Move to a Better Market

Sometimes the problem is not you. It’s the local pay scale.

If you’re earning $58k in a low-paying area and similar roles pay $85k elsewhere, moving could change your finances quickly.

Before relocating, compare:

1. Rent or mortgage
2. State income tax
3. Commute
4. Union contracts
5. Shift differentials
6. Retirement benefits
7. Health insurance cost
8. Career growth
9. Licensing transfer
10. Family support

Money matters, but don’t move somewhere you’ll hate just because the number is shiny.

7. Negotiate Your Offer

Healthcare workers often forget they can negotiate.

You may be able to ask for:

1. Higher starting rate
2. Sign-on bonus
3. Relocation help
4. Higher step placement for experience
5. Student loan repayment
6. Certification reimbursement
7. Tuition support
8. Better schedule
9. Per diem rate
10. Guaranteed specialty training

Try saying something like:

“Based on my ICU experience, RRT credential, and current market rates, I was hoping to be closer to $42 per hour. Is there flexibility in the offer?”

Simple. Polite. No begging.

Respiratory Therapist vs Nurse: Which Is Better?#

This question comes up all the time.

Nursing usually offers broader career options, higher ceiling in some advanced roles, and more job openings overall. But respiratory therapy can mean more focused training, less total patient load in some settings, and a strong technical specialty.

Respiratory Therapist Pros

1. Shorter training path than many healthcare careers
2. Strong role in ICU and emergency care
3. Focused respiratory expertise
4. Good salary potential
5. Less broad responsibility than bedside nursing in some units
6. Opportunities in sleep, diagnostics, devices, and education

Respiratory Therapist Cons

1. Fewer job postings than nursing
2. Less public recognition
3. Smaller leadership ladder in some hospitals
4. High stress in critical care
5. Less flexibility than nursing across specialties
6. Some facilities may understaff respiratory teams

Nursing Pros

1. More job openings
2. More specialties
3. Higher ceiling with NP, CRNA, leadership, and informatics paths
4. More remote and non-bedside options
5. Easier geographic mobility in many countries

Nursing Cons

1. Bedside nursing can be extremely stressful
2. More direct responsibility for multiple patients
3. More charting and coordination
4. Higher emotional burden in many units
5. Training and licensing can vary widely

If you want broad options, nursing may win.

If you love cardiopulmonary care, ventilators, airway management, and focused technical work, respiratory therapy may fit you better.

Will AI Replace Respiratory Therapists?#

No, AI is not replacing respiratory therapists in 2026.

Could technology change the work? Yes. Ventilators are becoming smarter. Monitoring systems are improving. Documentation tools may become more automated. AI may help detect patient deterioration earlier.

But someone still needs to assess the patient, check the airway, respond to alarms, coordinate with the care team, adjust therapy based on real conditions, educate families, and make judgment calls during emergencies.

AI can support respiratory therapists. It does not walk into the ICU at 3:17 a.m. and calm down a panicking patient who can’t breathe.

The RTs who do best in the future will be comfortable with technology, data, and new equipment. If you’re the person who learns the new ventilator before everyone else, you become valuable fast.

Best Skills for Respiratory Therapists in 2026#

To get hired and grow, you need both clinical and people skills.

Employers look for:

1. Patient assessment
2. Ventilator management
3. Arterial blood gas interpretation
4. Oxygen therapy
5. Airway management
6. Critical thinking
7. Emergency response
8. Infection control
9. Communication
10. Teamwork
11. Documentation
12. Time management
13. Patient education
14. Comfort with technology
15. Calm under pressure

On your resume, don’t just list “ventilator management” and call it a day.

Show where and how you used it:

1. “Managed ventilator support for adult ICU patients in a 32-bed critical care unit”
2. “Performed pulmonary function testing for 20+ patients weekly in outpatient clinic”
3. “Supported neonatal respiratory care in Level III NICU”
4. “Trained new staff on BiPAP, CPAP, and high-flow oxygen protocols”

Specific beats generic every time.

Respiratory Therapist Resume Tips#

If you’re applying for RT roles in 2026, your resume needs to pass both humans and applicant tracking systems.

Yes, the dreaded ATS. It’s annoying, but it’s real.

Include the Right Keywords

Add keywords from the job posting, especially:

1. RRT
2. CRT
3. BLS
4. ACLS
5. PALS
6. NRP
7. ICU
8. NICU
9. PICU
10. Ventilator management
11. ABG
12. CPAP
13. BiPAP
14. High-flow nasal cannula
15. Pulmonary function testing
16. Sleep studies
17. Patient education
18. Airway clearance
19. Emergency response
20. Electronic medical records

Use a Clear Resume Format

Keep your resume boring in the best possible way.

Use:

1. Simple headings
2. Bullet points
3. Reverse chronological order
4. Standard fonts
5. No tables if you can avoid them
6. No weird graphics
7. Clear certification section
8. Clear license section
9. Measurable achievements
10. One to two pages

A hospital recruiter is not grading your Canva skills. They want to know if you can safely do the job.

Highlight Certifications Near the Top

Put your strongest clinical credentials where they are easy to see.

Example:

Certifications: RRT, ACLS, BLS, PALS, NRP, ACCS

If the role requires NRP and you bury it at the bottom, you’re making the recruiter work too hard.

Is Respiratory Therapy Worth It in 2026?#

For many people, yes. Respiratory therapy can be a very solid career in 2026, especially if you want healthcare work without spending four to eight years in school.

It can offer:

1. Good pay for a two-year or four-year degree path
2. Strong demand in hospitals
3. Meaningful patient impact
4. Specialty options
5. Travel and per diem earning potential
6. A path into leadership, education, diagnostics, or medical devices

But it is not perfect.

You should think carefully if you:

1. Hate bodily fluids
2. Panic under pressure
3. Need a Monday to Friday desk job from day one
4. Don’t want nights, weekends, or holidays
5. Struggle with emotional hospital environments
6. Want the broadest possible healthcare career ladder

If you can shadow an RT before enrolling in a program, do it. One 8-hour shadow shift can teach you more than 40 TikToks and a glossy college brochure.

Final Thoughts: Respiratory Therapist Career and Salary 2026#

Respiratory therapy is one of those careers that people outside healthcare may not fully understand, but inside the hospital, the value is obvious.

When someone cannot breathe, the RT matters immediately.

In 2026, salaries are strongest in high-demand US markets, critical care, travel contracts, per diem roles, leadership, and medical device companies. In Europe, the path depends more on country-specific titles, credentials, language requirements, and healthcare systems.

If you choose this career, be strategic. Get the right credentials, build ICU or specialty experience, track salary ranges in your area, and do not be shy about negotiating.

And please, do not let a messy resume block you from an interview you’re qualified for. Before you apply to RT jobs, run your resume through JobRise’s free ATS checker here: https://jobrise.io/en/free-ats-checker/