Healthcare North Carolina (NC) Rank #30 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in North Carolina

The median respiratory therapist salary in North Carolina is $64,897 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$64,897
vs National
$-5,643
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Respiratory Therapist Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $52,440
Median (50th) $64,897
75th Percentile $79,120
90th Percentile $91,080

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Charlotte, NC
$69,129
Pop. 874,579 · COL 98%
Raleigh, NC
$69,129
Pop. 467,665 · COL 98%
Durham, NC
$67,013
Pop. 283,506 · COL 95%
Greensboro, NC
$62,075
Pop. 299,035 · COL 88%
Winston-Salem, NC
$60,664
Pop. 249,545 · COL 86%

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. North Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in North Carolina

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). North Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in North Carolina

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in North Carolina:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in North Carolina? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in North Carolina is $64,897 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $91,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,897, a respiratory therapist in North Carolina earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
North Carolina ranks #30 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $46,000, while senior professionals earn $87,400.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. North Carolina's median of $64,897 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($65,602) and Idaho ($64,897).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in North Carolina earns approximately $46,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $66,240. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $87,400.
What city in North Carolina pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $69,129. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.