skip to main content
MENU

Military Respiratory Technicians

Military Career

General Information

Description

Respiratory technicians focus on testing and treatment related to lung functions. They administer respiratory care using controlled breathing equipment. They perform pulmonary function testing and breathing therapies such as medical gas therapy, nebulization therapy, and mechanical ventilation. They also assist physicians with intubation and extubation of patients.  

Explore this career outside the Military

Work Environment

Respiratory technicians usually work in hospitals and clinics. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Health Science

Related Military Careers

No Information for this section

Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Respiratory Technicians in the Military

855

No Information for this section

Salary

Salary Information

Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$68,889

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.

$29,299 - $190,072

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

No Information for this section

Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Associate's degree 82%
  • Bachelor's degree 11%
  • Post-secondary certificate 5%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Respiratory technicians receive classroom and on-the-job medical training, through which they develop skills in providing basic patient care. Training content may include: Diagnostic methods and proceduresOperation and maintenance of diagnostic equipmentPreparation of patients for testingMethods of resuscitationMinor surgical proceduresEmergency medical treatmentClinical laboratory proceduresEmergency medical treatmentBasic nursing care

Read More

Military training

×

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Respiratory technicians receive classroom and on-the-job medical training, through which they develop skills in providing basic patient care. Training content may include:

  • Diagnostic methods and procedures
  • Operation and maintenance of diagnostic equipment
  • Preparation of patients for testing
  • Methods of resuscitation
  • Minor surgical procedures
  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Clinical laboratory procedures
  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Basic nursing care

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Psychology
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

No Information for this section

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.