SOC 29-1126
Respiratory Therapists
Risk Score
⚠️35/100
Moderate
US Employment
👥136,420
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$80K
$62K – $109K
Projected Growth
📈+12.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖48/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Respiratory Therapists face a risk score of 35/100 — 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 →
💡 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 →
🔍 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 →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
AI-assisted diagnostic imaging reducing radiologist workload
Telehealth platforms automating triage and intake
Automated patient monitoring and alert systems
🛡️ 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
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 13 | $226K | 74% |
| Dentists, General | 24 | $173K | 82% |
| Occupational Therapists | 28 | $98K | 74% |