What is the average salary of a respiratory therapist? Should I stay in nursing or switch to RRT?
Asked by Lovethychildren
I am getting ready to enter the nursing program but I am weighing my options of respiratory therapy as well. I have always been interested in the both fields but lately have been drawn to RRT. I was hoping to get information for both RN's and RRT's to know my options. I want to weigh my salary options as well. Thanks so much.

Best Answer:
I have been an RN for 10 years, I work in an ICU with resp. therapists. They make about a third less than then RN's do....but then again, they have a totally different job too. It's alot less "dirty work" if you will, and less stressful. The thing with the nursing field, is that you can do so many different things with it. If you tire of hospital nursing, there is always clinics, home health, school RN, travel RN, long term care, rehab, psych,...... the possibilities are huge. I'm not sure there is that great of diversity with RRT. There is also a huge need for nurses right now- all over. It won't be hard for you to land a job. I would stick with nursing, but of coures, it's up to you! good luck!
ICU RN
Answered by Penny P

you will make more money as RT but not as many jobs out there as for RN's
Answered by rachel_waves

Nurses make more money. I am an RT, I know. The previous comment is kind of wrong, because she says we don't have any stress, and that's not true at all; our workloads are heavier than R.Ns. If your major concern is money, then do the R.N. Both options have a lot of job openings, but R.Ns do have more variety.
Answered by MIRA A.