Salary Range
Low (10th %)$59,180
Median$77,960
High (90th %)$104,480
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Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
The occupation of "Respiratory Therapists" carries an automation risk of 32.5%, closely aligning with its calculated base risk of 33.0%. Many of the routine or protocol-driven tasks in this field are susceptible to automation, especially as medical technology advances. For instance, providing emergency care, such as artificial respiration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, can be partially automated by sophisticated life-support systems and robotics in controlled environments. Similarly, monitoring patients’ physiological responses to therapy—tracking vital signs or blood gases—and consulting with physicians are tasks that can increasingly be managed with patient monitoring systems and artificial intelligence-driven alerts. Setting up and operating therapeutic devices based on specified treatment parameters is another area where automation excels, thanks to the development of smart medical devices and automated ventilator management systems. Despite this, several core tasks performed by respiratory therapists remain resistant to automation due to their need for human judgment, dexterity, and interpersonal skills. Monitoring cardiac patients with electrocardiography devices, such as Holter monitors, requires specialized interpretation and contextual decision-making that automated systems are not yet able to replicate reliably. Endotracheal intubation is a highly skilled, hands-on procedure where precise assessment and flexibility are crucial, making full automation currently impractical. Furthermore, teaching, training, supervising, or utilizing students and assistants demands deep domain knowledge, communication, and adaptive mentoring—qualities that machines cannot adequately provide at this time. Automation bottlenecks arise most significantly in the domain of originality—a skill with low automation levels in this occupation, measured at 2.9% and 3.0% across pertinent tasks. The ability to devise unique solutions for sudden, unpredictable patient complications or to tailor respiratory therapies to highly individualized patient needs requires creative clinical reasoning. While machines can follow established procedures and protocols with great accuracy, they struggle to exhibit the kind of original thought necessary for nuanced patient care, instruction, and team management. Ultimately, while many foundational tasks in respiratory therapy are ripe for automation, the profession’s reliance on originality and human adaptability ensures an ongoing, critical role for skilled practitioners.
Filter by Automatable Status
Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
Partially Automatable
Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
Partially Automatable
Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
Non-Automatable
Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
Automatable
Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
Partially Automatable
Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
Automatable
Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
Non-Automatable
Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
Non-Automatable
Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.
Non-Automatable
Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.
Partially Automatable
Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises or the use of medications or respiratory equipment.
Partially Automatable
Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.
Non-Automatable
Conduct tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing, or lung capacity tests, to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
Non-Automatable
Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
Partially Automatable
Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
Non-Automatable
Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac or pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.
Partially Automatable
Transport patients to the hospital or within the hospital.
Non-Automatable
Teach, train, supervise, or use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, or assistants.
Non-Automatable
Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
Non-Automatable
Monitor cardiac patients, using electrocardiography devices, such as a holter monitor.
Partially Automatable
Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.
Partially Automatable
Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyFine ArtsDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingHistory and Archeology
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDocumenting/Recording InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
HMSMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookElectronic medical record EMR softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordDatabase softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareeClinicalWorks EHR softwareMicrosoft ExcelMEDITECH softwareHMSElectronic medical record EMR softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareeClinicalWorks EHR softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordDatabase softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Excel
Anesthesiologist Assistants
Low29.30%
Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.
Physical Therapists
Medium36.93%
Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
Radiation Therapists
Medium42.66%
Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
Registered Nurses
Medium37.38%
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Acute Care Nurses
Medium35.99%
Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Critical Care Nurses
Medium38.18%
Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Medium40.96%
Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.
Nurse Practitioners
Medium43.76%
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Anesthesiologists
Medium38.32%
Administer anesthetics and analgesics for pain management prior to, during, or after surgery.
Cardiologists
Medium38.46%
Diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent diseases or conditions of the cardiovascular system. May further subspecialize in interventional procedures (e.g., balloon angioplasty and stent placement), echocardiography, or electrophysiology.
Emergency Medicine Physicians
Medium39.71%
Make immediate medical decisions and act to prevent death or further disability. Provide immediate recognition, evaluation, care, stabilization, and disposition of patients. May direct emergency medical staff in an emergency department.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Medium37.64%
Diagnose and treat disorders requiring physiotherapy to provide physical, mental, and occupational rehabilitation.
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
Low31.67%
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.
Pediatric Surgeons
Low27.78%
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat fetal abnormalities and birth defects, diseases, and injuries in fetuses, premature and newborn infants, children, and adolescents. Includes all pediatric surgical specialties and subspecialties.
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Medium45.83%
Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.
Paramedics
Low19.23%
Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals.
Surgical Assistants
Low14.08%
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site.
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Low32.46%
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
Physical Therapist Assistants
Low22.30%
Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.
Physical Therapist Aides
Low24.73%
Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.
Occupational Therapists
Medium41.83%
Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.
Exercise Physiologists
Medium48.16%
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.
Nurse Anesthetists
Low30.75%
Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Dental Hygienists
Low12.35%
Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
Orthoptists
Medium44.62%
Diagnose and treat visual system disorders such as binocular vision and eye movement impairments.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Medium39.41%
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Medium39.05%
Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.
Medical Dosimetrists
Medium49.20%
Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.
Emergency Medical Technicians
Low25.00%
Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
Surgical Technologists
Low32.40%
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Medium34.66%
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Medium46.30%
Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.
Athletic Trainers
Low32.10%
Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
Orderlies
Low22.50%
Transport patients to areas such as operating rooms or x-ray rooms using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds. May maintain stocks of supplies or clean and transport equipment. Psychiatric orderlies are included in Psychiatric Aides.
Occupational Therapy Aides
Low32.90%
Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.
Massage Therapists
Low22.89%
Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.
Endoscopy Technicians
Low20.63%
Maintain a sterile field to provide support for physicians and nurses during endoscopy procedures. Prepare and maintain instruments and equipment. May obtain specimens.
Embalmers
Low12.34%
Prepare bodies for interment in conformity with legal requirements.