How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in South Dakota (2026)
South Dakota employs about 430 respiratory therapists earning a median $68,240 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 South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners.
South Dakota employs approximately 430 respiratory therapists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $68,240 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 South Dakota, 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: South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners
- Exam: NBRC RRT (TMC and CSE)
- Median wage (South Dakota): $68,240 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in South Dakota
How to become a Respiratory Therapist in South Dakota? Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure. Apply through South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners.
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 South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners.
Do I need a license in South Dakota? Yes. South Dakota credentials this role through South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners 3. See the licensing section below.
What do respiratory therapists earn in South Dakota? The median annual wage for respiratory therapists in South Dakota is $68,240 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $48,530 and experienced professionals can earn $88,830 or more 1.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in South Dakota
- Meet program entry rules. Respiratory therapy programs in South Dakota 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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners.
- Apply for state respiratory care licensure. Apply through South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners 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 South Dakota
Respiratory therapists in South Dakota complete a CoARC-accredited program, earn NBRC RRT, and apply to South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners for an RCP or equivalent license. See South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners 3.
Typical path
Meet program entry rules.
Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
Pass the NBRC RRT exams.
Apply to South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners for state licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners before you enroll.
Respiratory Therapist Wages by Metro Area in South Dakota
Respiratory Therapists Wages by Metro Area in South Dakota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), respiratory therapists wages in South Dakota vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | 270 | $63,630 | $65,650 | $48,530 | $82,980 |
| Sioux City | 40 | $63,800 | $68,580 | $63,760 | $82,010 |
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 South Dakota? South Dakota currently employs approximately 430 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 South Dakota with an out-of-state license? Contact the South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in South Dakota? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in South Dakota.
How much do respiratory therapists earn in South Dakota compared to the national average? The median annual wage for respiratory therapists in South Dakota is $68,240, which is $12,210 below the national median of $80,450 according to BLS data 1.
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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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners - Licensing Information: http://www.sdbmoe.gov/ ↩︎ ↩︎
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) |