Exploring a Career in Travel Respiratory Therapy (2025)

Respiratory therapists keep patients breathing, literally. As a travel respiratory therapist (RT) you can pair that life‑saving skill with flexibility, adventure, and some of the highest allied‑health pay rates on the market. This guide breaks down what RTs do, the newest salary and job‑growth numbers, and how the FlexCare App streamlines every step.

Respiratory therapists diagnose, treat, and manage breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders across the lifespan, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to older adults living with COPD. When you travel, you accept short, mostly 13‑week contracts at facilities that need immediate help. Each assignment delivers fresh professional challenges, new scenery, and a bigger paycheck.

• Administer breathing treatments such as nebulized bronchodilators or high‑flow oxygen.
• Manage ventilators for ICU, NICU, and ED patients who cannot breathe on their own.
• Perform diagnostic tests like bedside spirometry and arterial blood‑gas sampling.
• Provide emergency care during codes, rapid responses, or transport.
• Educate patients and families on disease management and equipment use.

To become a Respiratory Therapist, one must typically complete the following steps: 

1. Obtain a Degree: Most RTs hold an associate degree in respiratory therapy, although a growing number pursue a bachelor's degree for better job prospects and career advancement. 
2. Accredited Program: The degree must be from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). 
3. Certification and Licensure:
   
   Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT): This is the entry-level certification obtained after graduating from an accredited program and passing the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). 
   
   Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT): This advanced certification requires additional exams and is preferred by many employers. 
4. State Licensure: Almost all states require RTs to be licensed, which involves passing state-specific exams and meeting continuing education requirements. 

• Technical mastery of vents, high‑flow systems, and pulmonary diagnostics. 
• Critical thinking to adjust settings and interpret blood gases in real time.
• Calm, clear communication during high‑pressure situations.
• Compassion and patience with vulnerable patients and families.

• The average travel RT pay is about $2,000 per week nationwide. Crisis or rapid‑response contracts can reach $2,600+ per week. 
• National average hourly wage: $43.23 (ZipRecruiter, May 2025).
• Median annual wage: $77,960 (U.S. BLS, March 2025).
• Projected job growth 2023–2033: +13 percent, driven by an aging population, outpatient program expansion, and wider use of non‑invasive ventilation.

• Expansion of outpatient pulmonary clinics and home NIV programs. 
• Physician shortages are leading hospitals to rely on advanced practice RTs (APRTs) for complex care.
• Rural tele‑respiratory services need skilled travelers for on‑site setup and training.

• Diverse work environments ranging from Level I trauma centers to rural critical‑access hospitals.
• Flexible scheduling with most contracts lasting 13 weeks, with extension opportunities.
• Adventure as you explore new cities, mountains, or coastlines between shifts.
• Competitive compensation that includes tax‑free housing and meal stipends, plus full benefits.
• Career growth through rapid exposure to varied protocols and equipment.

• Award‑winning service. Best Travel Nurse Company for Work‑Life Balance (Nurse.com, 2025) and Top Allied Health Staffing Agency (AlliedVIP, 2024).
• Dedicated recruiters who put traveler goals first and stay with you from interview to final shift.
• FlexCare App. Set your pay and location filters, view live jobs, and apply with one tap.
• High‑Pay, Hassle‑Free philosophy. Transparent compensation packages, no surprises, and full healthcare and 401(k) benefits.