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Occupational Employment Statistics


DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA

29-1126 Respiratory Therapists



Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

Geography Click link for Career Profile EmploymentEmp SE*Percentiles
Mean10th25thMedian75th90th
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 88081$39.48/hr$32.57/hr$38.65/hr$40.60/hr$41.93/hr$42.51/hr


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
Trade, Transportation and Utilities70$31.63/hr
Financial ActivitiesN/AN/A
Professional and Business Services120$41.97/hr
Education and Health Services1,210$40.22/hr
Public AdministrationN/AN/A
 
Geography Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2020-2030
Mankato-North Mankato MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
St Cloud MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
Southeast Minnesota N/A$42.29/hrN/A
Northeast Balance of State 20$33.80/hrN/A
Southeast Balance of State 20$39.34/hrN/A
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA 40$30.85/hrN/A
Southwest Balance of State 40$38.63/hrN/A
Southwest Minnesota 60$38.78/hrN/A
Northwest Balance of State 70$37.07/hrN/A
La Crosse WI-MN MSA 80N/AN/A
Northwest Minnesota 80$37.07/hr19.7%
Rochester MN MSA 90$42.29/hrN/A
Duluth MN-WI MSA 100$37.07/hrN/A
Northeast Minnesota 110$36.28/hr20.6%
Central Minnesota 120$39.81/hr21.3%
Fargo ND-MN MSA 160$31.90/hrN/A
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 880$40.60/hr19.8%
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA 940$41.08/hrN/A
Minnesota 1,420$39.64/hr20.5%


Occupations Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2020-2030
Radiation Therapists 240$40.82/hr5.7%
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers 1,570$43.81/hr17.7%
Nuclear Medicine Technologists 250$49.00/hr6.4%
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians 1,080$33.52/hr6.7%
Nurse Anesthetists 2,460>$100/hr11.9%


  • Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
  • Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
  • Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
  • 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.
  • Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.
  • Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.
  • Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.