Respiratory Care Specialist (Respiratory Therapist 3)
Listed compensation
$53.05-$83/hr
The week · per this posting
Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Harborview Medical Center is currently recruiting for a RESPIRATORY CARE SPECIALIST to join our Respiratory Care Team!
WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week
Inquire About Shift
Primary Job Responsibilities
Utilize the respiratory process (assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation) to recommend/consult, prioritize, delegate, coordinate, and provide safe, therapeutic allocation of respiratory resources to patients
Make independent judgments/decisions and takes action regarding a wide range of routine and complex staffing issues
Collaborates with appropriate disciplines to coordinate continuity of patient care from admission through discharge in support of the respiratory, medical and nursing plans of care
Perform specific leadership functions related to clinical practice, education, and/or management as delegated by and in collaboration with the Respiratory Manager
- Assume patient care supervisory, and preceptor responsibilities
- Provides leadership for unit and departmental activities
Required Position Qualifications
Completion of a respiratory care program approved by the State of Washington Department of Health AND three years of respiratory care therapy experience OR
- Equivalent education/experience.
- Must be RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) by Washington State
About Harborview Medical Center
As the region's only Level I Trauma center, Harborview Medical Center is well known for innovations and excellence in trauma care and its centers of emphasis: Trauma, Burn, Neurosciences, AIDS/STD CARER, and mentally and medically vulnerable populations.
In addition to the centers of emphasis, HMC serves a mission population for King County. Harborview employees are committed to the vital role the institution plays in the immediate community, as well as the entire Northwest region.
HMC is owned by King County and managed by the University of Washington (UW) and serves as a training site for UW’s School of Medicine.
Teamwork. Community. Opportunity. Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum
$53.05 hourly
Pay Range Maximum
$83.00 hourly
Other Compensation
Benefits
For information about benefits for this position, visit washington.edu
Shift: First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)
100.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit
SEIU 1199NW HMC Respiratory Therapist/Anesthesiology Tech/END Tech
About the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
Key Responsibilities
The Respiratory Care Specialist provides safe, therapeutic respiratory care and coordinates patient care plans from admission through discharge. They also perform leadership functions, including clinical supervision, staff coordination, and departmental activity management.
Requirements
Candidates must have completed an approved respiratory care program and possess at least three years of relevant therapy experience. A valid RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) certification by Washington State is required.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Respiratory Care Specialist (Respiratory Therapist 3) at University of Washington a 6.6 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 25% in Respiratory Therapy — ranked against 3,907 active Respiratory Therapy listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no night shifts.
Pulmonology Career Context
University of Washington holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 70/100, 92 active listings.
Of the 40 active Respiratory Therapist listings this role was benchmarked against, 70% have no call, 53% require no weekends.
Respiratory Therapist pay on WeekdayDoc is up 1.6% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).
The cost-of-living index for Washington is 107.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$141k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $132k in an average-cost state. 59.8% of Washington clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Location & Logistics
Washington has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$141k midpoint, that is roughly $6k–$10k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
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