Get Started as a Respiratory Therapist in Oregon
If you are hoping to become a respiratory therapist in Oregon (OR) then you will be pleased to learn that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of respiratory therapists will grow nationwide by 19% from 2019 to 2029.
To become a respiratory therapist in Oregon you will need to graduate from an accredited school and obtain a license before you can begin working there.
Certification is optional but provides assurances as to an individuals skills and competencies.
Jump to:
Top Respiratory Therapist Schools in Oregon
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Hood Community College | Gresham | AS Degree | Learn More |
| Concorde Career College - Portland | Portland | AS Degree | Learn More |
Respiratory therapist schools in Oregon are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC). There are 2 accredited schools offering respiratory therapy programs in Oregon.
Most schools in Oregon will offer a choice between an associates degree (2 years) or a bachelors degree (4 years). An associates degree will get you started in your career whilst a bachelors degree will open up more career doors such as supervisory and management roles.
Respiratory therapist certification is optional in Oregon.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist program requirements
Oregon Respiratory Therapist License
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Oregon law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The Oregon Health Licensing Agency governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Oregon.
You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 503-378-8667
Website: oregon.gov
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Oregon
| Average Salary | $70,480 |
| Hourly Wage | $33.88 |
| Top 10% | $85,180 |
| Bottom 10% | $55,030 |
| Employed | 1,340 |
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2019), the average respiratory therapist salary in Oregon is $70,480. This is 10% greater than the national average.
This equates to an average hourly wage of $33.88.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Oregon have increased by 9%, or $5,860, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Oregon had an average salary of $85,180
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $55,030
- Respiratory therapists working in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro earned the highest average salary in the state at $72,090
- Those working in Salem have the lowest average salary level at $66,780.
The table below further breaks down salary across the larger metro areas in the state.
| Metro Area | Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medford | $71,910 | $54,270 | $94,940 | 130 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | $72,090 | $55,970 | $90,150 | 730 |
| Salem | $66,780 | $53,780 | $80,220 | - |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Oregon
There are currently 1,340 people employed as respiratory therapists in Oregon. This number has increased by 19%, or 210 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The highest number of respiratory therapy jobs in Oregon are in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Oregon;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $70,480 | 1,340 |
| Physical Therapist | $87,200 | 2,890 |
| Occupational Therapist | $92,730 | 1,350 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $86,800 | 1,650 |
What next?
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Oregon. You might also be interested in the following related pages:
- Online classes