Respiratory Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $60,664 (2026)

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $60,664, which is $4,233 below the North Carolina state average of $64,897. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $60,664 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $70,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Winston-Salem spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $85,140 at the 90th percentile — a $43,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$43,000

$-7,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$61,920

$-10,080 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$81,700

$-13,300 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$41,280	$44,160	$48,000
25th Percentile	$49,020	$52,440	$57,000
Median (50th)	$60,664	$64,897	$70,540
75th Percentile	$73,960	$79,120	$86,000
90th Percentile	$85,140	$91,080	$99,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$41,280

25th Percentile

$49,020

Median (50th)

$60,664

75th Percentile

$73,960

90th Percentile

$85,140

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Winston-Salem

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $60,664 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $85,140 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $60,664, a respiratory therapist in Winston-Salem earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median respiratory therapist salary of $60,664 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $64,897. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $60,664 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina