How to Become a Respiratory Therapists in Texas
Respiratory Therapists in Texas earn a median salary of $77,550/year, which is 4% below the national average. Texas has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a respiratory therapists takes home approximately $3,833/month. Most positions require Associate's degree.
What a respiratory therapists can afford in Texas
Becoming a respiratory therapists in Texas
Meet education requirements
Respiratory Therapists positions in Texas typically require Associate's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Texas. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many respiratory therapists positions in Texas require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Texas licensure or certification
Texas may require specific licensing or professional certification for respiratory therapistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Texas Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Texas
Texas employs 11,860 respiratory therapists. The highest concentrations are in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos.
Respiratory Therapists salary by metro area in Texas
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $82K | $39.25/hr | 2,950 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | $79K | $37.98/hr | 770 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | $78K | $37.35/hr | 3,380 |
| Amarillo | $77K | $37.25/hr | 130 |
| Longview | $76K | $36.77/hr | 80 |
| Victoria | $76K | $36.71/hr | 70 |
| Killeen-Temple | $76K | $36.7/hr | 250 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $76K | $36.5/hr | 950 |
| Tyler | $76K | $36.46/hr | 250 |
| Sherman-Denison | $72K | $34.68/hr | 60 |
| El Paso | $72K | $34.6/hr | 330 |
| Texarkana | $70K | $33.77/hr | 100 |
| Waco | $70K | $33.73/hr | 100 |
| Corpus Christi | $70K | $33.45/hr | 250 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $69K | $33.13/hr | 140 |
Respiratory Therapists salary range in Texas
Respiratory Therapists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a respiratory therapists make in Texas?▼
The median respiratory therapists salary in Texas is $77,550 per year ($37.28/hr). This is 4% below the national median of $80,450. Salaries range from $61,130 to $94,640.
What are the requirements to become a respiratory therapists in Texas?▼
Respiratory Therapists positions in Texas typically require Associate's degree. Texas may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Texas licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a respiratory therapists afford to live in Texas?▼
At the median salary of $77,550, a respiratory therapists in Texas would take home approximately $5,245/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 26.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for respiratory therapists in Texas?▼
The highest paying metro areas for respiratory therapists in Texas are Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ($81,640), Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos ($79,000), Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands ($77,680). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Texas have state income tax for respiratory therapists?▼
No, Texas does not have a state income tax. This means respiratory therapists keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.