SOC 29-1126
Respiratory Therapists
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ35/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ136,420
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$80K
$62K โ $109K
Projected Growth
๐+12.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค48/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Respiratory Therapists face a risk score of 35/100 โ 9 points below the national average of 44. With only 48/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $80K ($34K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 35/100, Respiratory Therapists faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai-assisted diagnostic imaging reducing radiologist workload are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 136,420 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in empathetic patient communication and bedside manner and complex clinical judgment in ambiguous presentations to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Respiratory Therapists?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
AI-assisted diagnostic imaging reducing radiologist workload
Telehealth platforms automating triage and intake
Automated patient monitoring and alert systems
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Empathetic patient communication and bedside manner
Complex clinical judgment in ambiguous presentations
Hands-on physical examination and procedures
Interdisciplinary care coordination
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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.
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.
Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
๐ป Technology Skills
Calendar and scheduling software
Data base user interface and query software
Medical software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
Medicine and Dentistry
English Language
Education and Training
Psychology
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 13 | $226K | 74% |
| Dentists, General | 24 | $173K | 82% |
| Occupational Therapists | 28 | $98K | 74% |