South Dakota Respiratory Therapist Schools and Careers

Get Started as a Respiratory Therapist SD

If you are hoping to become a respiratory therapist in South Dakota (SD) 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 South Dakota 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:

• Accredited Schools
• Licensing Requirements
• Income Potential
• Jobs and Employment

Top Respiratory Therapist Schools in South Dakota

Respiratory therapist schools in South Dakota are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC). There are 2 accredited schools offering respiratory therapy programs in South Dakota.

Most schools in South Dakota 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 South Dakota.

Learn more: Respiratory therapist program requirements

South Dakota Respiratory Therapist License

Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by South Dakota law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The State Board Medical Examiners governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in South Dakota.

You can contact the Board directly using the details below:

Phone: 605-367-7781
Website: SDBMOE.gov

Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist

Respiratory Therapist Salary in South Dakota

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2019), the average respiratory therapist salary in South Dakota is $52,750. This is 18% below the national average.

This equates to an average hourly wage of $25.36.

Salary levels for respiratory therapists in South Dakota have grown by 5%, or $2,310, between 2015 and 2019.

Salary Range

• The top 10% of earners in the profession in South Dakota had an average salary of $65,150
• The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $41,270

The table below further breaks down salary across the larger metro areas in the state.

Respiratory Therapist Employment in South Dakota

There are currently 320 people employed as respiratory therapists in South Dakota. This number has dropped by -3%, or -10 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.

The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in South Dakota;

What next?

We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in South Dakota. You might also be interested in the following related pages:

• Online classes