Respiratory Therapist Salary in Charleston, WV: $60,664 (2026)

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

Charleston offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $60,664, which is $2,821 above the West Virginia state average of $57,843. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $60,664 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,936 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Charleston 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. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, 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 88% 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	Charleston	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$41,280	$39,360	$48,000
25th Percentile	$49,020	$46,740	$57,000
Median (50th)	$60,664	$57,843	$70,540
75th Percentile	$73,960	$70,520	$86,000
90th Percentile	$85,140	$81,180	$99,000

Percentile

Charleston

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 Charleston

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia 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 Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Charleston

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Charleston, WV? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Charleston, West Virginia 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 Charleston? ▼

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

How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Charleston's median respiratory therapist salary of $60,664 is 4.9% above the West Virginia state average of $57,843. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼

Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $60,664 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Charleston? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Charleston 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 Charleston, West Virginia