As of June 2026, Respiratory Therapists has an AI-exposure score of 54/100 (Elevated exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
AI Exposure Score for
Respiratory Therapists
54/100
Elevated exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High
More exposed than 44% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$82,280. About 8,800 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
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How you compare to similar Healthcare roles
Respiratory Therapists (you)
54
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
54
Anesthesiologists
54
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
54
Acute Care Nurses
55
Registered Nurses
55
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Your tasks, by AI exposure
Automatable
- Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
- Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.
- Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.
- Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.
Augmentable
- Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
- Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
- Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
- 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.
- Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
- 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.
- Conduct tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing, or lung capacity tests, to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
- Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.
- Transport patients to the hospital or within the hospital.
- Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
- 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.
Durable
- Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac or pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.
- Teach, train, supervise, or use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, or assistants.
Safer adjacent roles
YOUR ROLE TODAY
Respiratory Therapists 54→
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
59
80% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$74,310
Critical Care Nurses
49
72% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$97,550
Acute Care Nurses
55
64% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$97,550
Radiation Therapists
61
56% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$105,310
Paramedic
30
48% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$50,000
Physical Therapist
31
40% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$99,710
Physical Therapist Assistants
44
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$68,380
Occupational Therapy Assistants
51
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$72,300
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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.