Healthcare professionals play an important role in keeping hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics running smoothly. Among the most essential are respiratory therapists and registered nurses, two healthcare professions that share overlapping responsibilities but differ in specialization, scope, and salary. Many people entering the healthcare industry ask which career path offers higher pay and stronger growth.
This article compares the respiratory therapist vs nurse salary outlook for 2025, examines education, job responsibilities, healthcare settings, and pay trends to help you understand which role may fit your long-term goals.
Both respiratory therapists and registered nurses are respected healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home healthcare services. While both roles are in demand, their earnings differ slightly based on specialization and setting.
| Role | Mean Annual Wage (BLS) | Typical Range (10th–90th Percentile) | Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $89,010 | $61,250 – $129,400 | Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing |
| Respiratory Therapist (RT) | $74,310 | $52,190 – $100,520 | Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy |
These salary insights are based on official data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The figures represent national averages compiled from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2022) for Registered Nurses and the Occupational Outlook Handbook (Updated 2024) for Respiratory Therapists. Both sources provide accurate, government-verified information on wages, education requirements, and employment trends across healthcare professions. You can view the official data for Registered Nurses and Respiratory Therapists.
Based on national labor statistics and current healthcare industry data, registered nurses generally earn slightly more than respiratory therapists in 2025. However, experienced or specialized respiratory therapists working in emergency medicine, critical care units, or neonatal care often match or exceed nursing salaries.
Disclaimer: Salary figures are national averages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and may vary based on factors such as experience, education, location, and type of healthcare facility. Actual compensation can differ across employers and regions, so these estimates should be used as general references rather than guaranteed earnings.
Both careers support patients in hospitals and clinics, but their focus differs. Nurses manage overall health and treatment plans, while respiratory therapists specialize in breathing disorders and lung function care.
A respiratory therapist specializes in respiratory care for patients with breathing disorders and chronic respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or emphysema. These medical professionals perform diagnostic tests, analyze lung function, and manage respiratory treatments, including oxygen therapy, ventilator care, and airway clearance.
Key job responsibilities include:
Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals to treat patients of all ages, including premature infants and seniors.
A registered nurse (RN) provides a broader scope of patient care that includes assessment, medication administration, and coordination with physicians and other medical team members. Nurses play a vital role in maintaining a patient’s overall health, performing medical assessments, and providing emotional support to patients and families.
Common RN job duties include:
Registered nurses often work in hospitals, ambulatory care centers, and home healthcare services. Many advance their careers by earning a bachelor’s degree or becoming a family nurse practitioner.
Pay varies based on medical setting, responsibilities, and patient population. The following table summarizes 2025 averages:
| Setting | Registered Nurse | Respiratory Therapist |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals / Critical Care Units | $90,000–$100,000 | $80,000–$90,000 |
| Emergency Rooms / Emergency Medicine | $95,000–$110,000 | $85,000–$95,000 |
| Nursing Homes / Nursing Care Facilities | $75,000–$85,000 | $72,000–$80,000 |
| Outpatient Clinics / Ambulatory Care | $80,000–$88,000 | $76,000–$84,000 |
| Home Healthcare Services | $85,000–$92,000 | $78,000–$86,000 |
These salary ranges are drawn from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and verified industry salary analyses. Figures represent national estimates that may vary based on experience, location, and facility type. For reference, see the BLS profiles for Registered Nurses and Respiratory Therapists.
Respiratory therapists working in critical care units or intensive care units tend to earn higher wages because of their specialized clinical skills and ability to treat patients requiring complex respiratory support. RNs in leadership roles or specialized departments, such as neonatal nursing or emergency medicine, also see higher compensation.
Both professions require formal education and licensing, though the focus of each differs.
Continuing education and specialty certifications often raise earning potential. A Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) signals advanced competence. Similarly, nurses who earn advanced degrees or become nurse practitioners can move into higher-paying leadership or clinical roles.
Several elements affect how much respiratory therapists and nurses earn.
Experience directly affects earning potential for both nurses and respiratory therapists. Senior professionals with over ten years in the field tend to command higher pay, especially those who have mastered specialized clinical skills. Expertise in areas such as ventilator management, neonatal or pediatric respiratory care, and advanced patient monitoring often leads to premium salaries in both professions.
Pay rates also vary based on the healthcare setting. High-acuity environments like emergency rooms, intensive care units, and critical care departments typically offer higher wages due to the complexity of cases and patient risk levels. In contrast, outpatient clinics and home healthcare services may provide slightly lower pay but offer more predictable schedules and a steadier workload.
Education strongly influences salary potential in both careers. Registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree or higher often earn more, as many healthcare employers now prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses. Similarly, respiratory therapists who hold a bachelor’s degree or advanced certifications, such as the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, tend to earn higher wages that bring their compensation closer to nursing salaries.
According to U.S. labor statistics, the healthcare industry continues to show strong growth across both professions.
| Role | Projected Growth (2022–2032) | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 6% growth | Aging population, preventive healthcare, chronic illness management |
| Respiratory Therapist | 13% growth | Increasing cases of chronic respiratory ailments and post-COVID care demand |
The demand for respiratory therapists is rising faster due to the growing number of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and long-term respiratory infections. Hospitals and rehabilitation centers increasingly rely on respiratory therapists working alongside nurses and physicians to manage ventilated and critical care patients.
Each profession plays a distinct part in patient recovery. Nurses coordinate care and medications, and respiratory therapists handle testing, oxygen therapy, and ventilator support for patients with respiratory conditions.
Respiratory therapists focus on diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions, ensuring that patients with breathing disorders receive the right respiratory treatments and equipment support.
Registered nurses provide direct patient care and coordinate with other healthcare professionals to support the overall health and recovery of every patient.
While both treat patients directly, nurses have a broader scope, managing multiple aspects of a patient’s health, whereas respiratory therapists specialize in cardiopulmonary function and respiratory therapy.
Looking for qualified therapy professionals for your healthcare facility? Explore Respiratory Therapist Staffing Solutions at Flagstar Rehab to find experienced clinicians ready for immediate placement across hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient care.
Both nursing and respiratory therapy offer clear advancement paths, allowing professionals to gain certifications, specialize, and move into leadership or teaching roles.
Nursing provides broad opportunities for growth, from entry-level registered nurse roles to advanced positions such as nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. Experienced nurses can also transition into leadership, education, or administrative positions.
Respiratory therapists can advance through certifications like the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and specialize in areas such as critical care, pediatrics, or pulmonary testing. With experience, many move into supervisory or educator roles within healthcare settings.
Each career offers distinct growth options; nursing provides broader management and research roles, while respiratory therapy offers focused clinical advancement.
Need licensed respiratory or therapy staff fast? Partner with Flagstar Rehab for reliable, credentialed professionals ready for contract, temp-to-perm, or direct placements.
When comparing respiratory therapist vs nurse salary, nurses generally earn slightly more, but both careers offer strong stability, purpose, and growth within the healthcare industry. Registered nurses have a broader clinical scope with opportunities to advance into specialized or leadership roles, such as family nurse practitioner or educator. Respiratory therapists, on the other hand, focus deeply on respiratory care, performing critical procedures and managing life-saving equipment for patients with breathing disorders and respiratory conditions. Both paths provide rewarding opportunities to make a real difference in patient health across hospitals, nursing care facilities, and other healthcare settings.
At Flagstar Rehab, we connect talented respiratory therapists and nursing professionals with trusted healthcare facilities nationwide. Whether you’re seeking a contract, temporary, or direct placement role, our team simplifies the job search so you can focus on providing excellent patient care. Explore Respiratory Therapist Staffing opportunities here.
Respiratory therapists working in critical care units, emergency medicine, and neonatal intensive care typically earn the highest salaries. Those with advanced credentials like Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or specialized certifications often receive higher pay for their expertise.
The highest-paying nursing roles include nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists. Advanced education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree and experience in high-demand areas like critical care or emergency medicine, leads to higher salaries.
Both careers offer rewarding paths. Nursing provides a wider range of roles and specialties, while physiotherapy focuses on helping patients regain movement and function. The better choice depends on whether you prefer general patient care or a focus on physical rehabilitation.
Yes. Respiratory therapy offers stable job growth, competitive pay, and meaningful work helping patients with breathing disorders and respiratory conditions. The profession continues to grow as the need for skilled healthcare professionals increases across hospitals and clinics.