Respiratory Therapist Duties and Responsibilities: Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing. Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients who have diseased lungs. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock. Salary: $59,710 Education: Associates degree but most do carry a bachelor's degree Demand or need for this particular career: They are required to be licensed in various states Reflection: I find this job interesting because they help out people that have problem breathing.