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UPMC
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Graduate Respiratory Therapist - UPMC Children's Hospital

Respiratory TherapistIncludes callFull-Time

Compensation

Pay not listed

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the pay range, the work setting, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 2mo ago

Job Description

Launch your respiratory therapy career with purpose and possibility at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where new graduates are supported, mentored, and empowered from day one. As a Respiratory Therapist, you’ll join a highly skilled pediatric team that blends advanced technology with compassionate, family‑centered care — giving you the confidence and clinical experience to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑acuity environment.

Here, you’ll work side‑by‑side with dedicated Respiratory Therapy leaders and interdisciplinary experts who are committed to helping you grow through hands‑on learning, structured onboarding, and a career ladder designed to support your long‑term advancement. From specialized pediatric clinical exposure to opportunities to explore niche areas of respiratory care, UPMC Children’s is the ideal place to build a strong foundation and discover the full potential of your career.

Become part of a team where your skills matter, your growth is prioritized, and every breath you help deliver makes a meaningful difference.

  • We’re excited to offer sign-on bonuses for qualified Respiratory Therapists who join our team:
  • $15,000 for therapists with 0–1 year of experience with a 2-year full-time commitment
  • $20,000 for therapists with 1+ years of experience with a 2-year full-time commitment
  • Plus, a limited-time incentive to earn an additional $10,000 upon completion of your third year of employment.
  • Sign-on bonuses are also available for part-time positions and will be prorated based on commitment.

Applicants will be placed into the appropriate job title and salary based on their individual experience, certification and education.

Reviews prescriptions, patient data, and arterial blood gases to assess condition and determine therapy type, duration, and dosages.

Selects appropriate inhalant administration methods, ensures compatibility with physician’s orders, and evaluates medical orders.

  • Interprets clinical data to optimize patient outcomes.
  • Sets up, operates, and monitors ventilators, gas administration systems, environmental controls, and aerosol generators; adjusts equipment for optimal results.
  • Ensures safe, efficient equipment function through inspection, testing, and ordering repairs when needed.
  • Monitors patient responses (vital signs, blood gases, chemistry), performs drainage, breathing exercises, and pulmonary function tests.
  • Consults physicians regarding adverse reactions and maintains accurate patient charts.
  • Demonstrates procedures, supervises trainees, and assists in transporting ventilated patients.
  • Responds to all emergency code situations.

Graduate of a Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care approved Respiratory program required

Students who have received a temporary license along with official transcripts are permitted to begin employment

Certified Respiratory Therapist from the National Board for Respiratory Care is required prior to expiration of temporary practice permit

Licensure, Certifications and Clearances

  • BLS or CPR required
  • Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT)
  • Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)

Clearances with Renewal

  • Act 31, 33, 34, & 73
  • UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Key Responsibilities

The Respiratory Therapist reviews patient data and arterial blood gases to determine appropriate therapy and dosages while operating and monitoring life-support equipment like ventilators. They also consult with physicians regarding patient conditions, perform pulmonary tests, and respond to emergency code situations.

Requirements

Candidates must be graduates of a Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care approved program and hold or be eligible for a temporary license. A Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential and BLS/CPR certification are required.

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure

Key Skills

Pediatric careVentilator managementArterial blood gas analysisPatient monitoringEmergency responsePulmonary function testingClinical data interpretationEquipment maintenancePatient charting

Respiratory Therapy Career Context

Of the 50 active Respiratory Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 2% are remote, 60% have no call, 44% require no weekends.

Respiratory Therapy pay on WeekdayDoc is up 3.1% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).

The cost-of-living index for Pennsylvania is 97.6 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 61.7% of Pennsylvania clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Respiratory Therapist Jobs

26 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution19 jobs

3
<$90k
5
$90k-105k
8
$105k-120k
2
$120k-135k
1
$139k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks16 jobs

401k / retirement match
75%
Sign-on bonus
44% this job
Relocation assistance
13%
CME allowance
6%
PSLF eligible
6%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Respiratory Therapist

Sutter Health · Sacramento, California

$47.68-$66.75/hr
#2

Respiratory Therapist II

Marian Regional Medical Center · Santa Maria, California

$52.03-$64.05/hr
#3

Respiratory Therapist – CRT/RRT

$45.05 - $63.70/hr
#4

Respiratory Therapist - Providence Kodiak Island

$37.08-$55.62/hr
+ 24 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 3.0this job 3.0
Better work-life than 50% of Respiratory Therapy listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 3,803 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Includes call

Living in Pittsburgh

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$234k
Typical market rent
$1,545/mo
Residents’ average commute
23 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
94.7
State income tax
Up to 3.1%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Pittsburgh, PA metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

UPMC logo

About UPMC

Hospitals and Health Care
Pittsburgh, PA
10,000+ employees

Benefits & Perks

Sign-on bonus up to $15,000
Tuition assistance
Paid time off
Career ladder