How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Connecticut (2026)
Connecticut employs about 1,370 respiratory therapists earning a median $85,230 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Respiratory Therapist here means completing a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure, then applying through Department of Public Health - Health Care Systems Branch - Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section.
Connecticut employs approximately 1,370 respiratory therapists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $85,230 1. Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 12.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 8,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Respiratory Therapist in Connecticut, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure
- Licensing authority: Department of Public Health - Health Care Systems Branch - Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section
- Exam: NBRC RRT (TMC and CSE)
- Median wage (Connecticut): $85,230 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Connecticut
How to become a Respiratory Therapist in Connecticut? Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure. Apply through Department of Public Health - Health Care Systems Branch - Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section.
How long does it take? Most people finish a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Department of Public Health - Health Care Systems Branch - Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section.
Do I need a license in Connecticut? Yes. Connecticut credentials this role through Department of Public Health - Health Care Systems Branch - Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section 3. See the licensing section below.
What do respiratory therapists earn in Connecticut? The median annual wage for respiratory therapists in Connecticut is $85,230 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $72,410 and experienced professionals can earn $121,620 or more 1.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Connecticut
- Meet program entry rules. Respiratory therapy programs in Connecticut typically require a high school diploma or GED and science prerequisites. Confirm current rules with the program.
- Complete a CoARC-accredited program. Enroll in a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program in Connecticut, usually an associate degree. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NBRC RRT exams. Pass the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice exam and Clinical Simulation Exam for the RRT credential. CRT-only practice is limited; confirm with Department of Public Health - Health Care Systems Branch - Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section.
- Apply for state respiratory care licensure. Apply through Department of Public Health - Health Care Systems Branch - Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section before you practice. Confirm any jurisprudence or ethics exam with the board.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Respiratory Therapist License Requirements in Connecticut
Respiratory therapists in Connecticut complete a CoARC-accredited program, earn NBRC RRT, and apply to Department of Public Health - Health Care Systems Branch - Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section for an RCP or equivalent license. See Department of Public Health - Health Care Systems Branch - Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section 3.
Typical path
Meet program entry rules.
Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
Pass the NBRC RRT exams.
Apply to Department of Public Health - Health Care Systems Branch - Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section for state licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Department of Public Health - Health Care Systems Branch - Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section before you enroll.
Respiratory Therapist Wages by Metro Area in Connecticut
Respiratory Therapists Wages by Metro Area in Connecticut
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), respiratory therapists wages in Connecticut vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford | 550 | $81,770 | $89,290 | $73,270 | $102,200 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury | 260 | $98,010 | $109,390 | $82,120 | $175,850 |
| New Haven | 240 | $85,230 | $92,510 | $80,750 | $112,390 |
| Waterbury-Shelton | 140 | $89,660 | $91,020 | $74,200 | $100,550 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic | 80 | $78,700 | $87,440 | $77,250 | $104,580 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for respiratory therapists in Connecticut? Connecticut currently employs approximately 1,370 respiratory therapists 1. Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 12.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a respiratory therapist in Connecticut with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Public Health - Health Care Systems Branch - Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Connecticut? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Connecticut.
How much do respiratory therapists earn in Connecticut compared to the national average? The median annual wage for respiratory therapists in Connecticut is $85,230, which is $4,780 above the national median of $80,450 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Connecticut
Top local programs
- Best Respiratory Therapy Schools in Ansonia, Connecticut (2026)
- Best Respiratory Therapy Schools in Bridgeport, Connecticut (2026)
- Best Respiratory Therapy Schools in Bristol, Connecticut (2026)
- Best Respiratory Therapy Schools in City Of Milford Balance, Connecticut (2026)
- Best Respiratory Therapy Schools in Danbury, Connecticut (2026)
- Best Respiratory Therapy Schools in Derby, Connecticut (2026)
- Best Respiratory Therapy Schools in Greenwich, Connecticut (2026)
- Best Respiratory Therapy Schools in Hartford, Connecticut (2026)
- Best Respiratory Therapy Schools in Meriden, Connecticut (2026)
- Best Respiratory Therapy Schools in Middletown, Connecticut (2026)
- Best Respiratory Therapy Schools in Naugatuck, Connecticut (2026)
- Best Respiratory Therapy Schools in New Britain, Connecticut (2026)
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in Connecticut (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in Connecticut
- Best HVAC Schools in Connecticut (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in Connecticut
- Best Plumbing Schools in Connecticut (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in Connecticut
Explore More Trades in Connecticut
- Electrician in Connecticut
- Plumber in Connecticut
- HVAC Technician in Connecticut
- Welder in Connecticut
- Carpenter in Connecticut
- Solar Installation Technician in Connecticut
- Auto Mechanic in Connecticut
- CNC Machinist in Connecticut
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Connecticut
- Medical Assistant in Connecticut
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Department of Public Health - Health Care Systems Branch - Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section - Licensing Information: https://www.dph.state.ct.us/licensure/licensure.htm ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |