Healthcare Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median respiratory therapist salary in Charlotte, NC is $69,129 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$69,129
vs State Avg
+$4,232
vs National
$-1,411
Cost of Living
98%

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Charlotte: What to Expect (2026)

Charlotte offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $69,129, which is $4,232 above the North Carolina state average of $64,897. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Charlotte pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Charlotte's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Charlotte spans from $47,040 at the 10th percentile to $97,020 at the 90th percentile — a $49,980 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,100. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $49,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,000
$-1,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,560
$-1,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,100
$-1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $47,040
25th Percentile $55,860
Median (50th) $69,129
75th Percentile $84,280
90th Percentile $97,020

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$69,129
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$67,013
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$62,075
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$60,664
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Charlotte

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Charlotte may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Charlotte, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $69,129 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $47,040 (10th percentile) to $97,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,129, a respiratory therapist in Charlotte earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Charlotte's median respiratory therapist salary of $69,129 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $64,897. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $69,129 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Charlotte? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Charlotte require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.