Respiratory therapists
SOC Code: 29-1126
Respiratory therapists carries a 23% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $80,450 and +12.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 139,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Respiratory therapists (SOC 29-1126) carries an AI exposure score of 23%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 139,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +12.1% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $80,450, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Respiratory therapists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
- 2. Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- 3. Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
- 4. Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- 5. Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
- 6. Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
- 7. Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
- 8. Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
- 9. Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
- 10. Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- Biology
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Therapy and Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Respiratory therapists?
Respiratory therapists has an AI exposure score of 23%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Respiratory therapists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Respiratory therapists is projected to grow by 12.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 139,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Respiratory therapists?
Key skills for Respiratory therapists include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Respiratory therapists earn?
The median annual wage for Respiratory therapists is $80,450, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Respiratory therapists?
The typical entry-level education for Respiratory therapists is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Respiratory therapists?
Respiratory therapists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).