Respiratory Therapist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 5K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$80,090
$38.50/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-4.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $100K
5K employed in North Carolina
The median Respiratory Therapist salary in North Carolina is $80,090 annually. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with most professionals in the state earning between $63,990 and $99,520. Currently, the Respiratory Therapist salary in North Carolina is approximately 5% below the national average, with around 4,630 individuals employed in this vital role across the state.
Several factors can influence a Respiratory Therapist's earnings within North Carolina. Experience level, specific certifications, and the type of healthcare facility—whether it's a large hospital system, a smaller clinic, or a long-term care facility—all play a role in salary determination. Geographic location within the state may also contribute to variations in compensation for Respiratory Therapists.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,990 |
| 25th percentile | $68,010 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,090 |
| 75th percentile | $87,820 |
| 90th percentile | $99,520 |
Top-Paying Industries for Respiratory Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Respiratory Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $138,620 | 50 |
| Educational Services | $97,360 | 800 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $82,630 | 129K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $81,120 | 200 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $80,250 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,390 |
| 2023 | $69,070 |
| 2024 | $77,050 |
| 2025 | $80,090 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,250 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,390 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $69,070 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $77,050 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $80,090 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,250 | $87,192 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $68,010 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,090 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $87,820 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $99,520 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Respiratory Therapist ($80,090 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +397.5% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +323.7% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +261.8% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +180.4% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +169.0% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +168.7% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +158.5% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +129.2% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +110.9% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +101.7% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | +73.4% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | +68.0% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina is $80,090 per year, which equates to approximately $39 per hour. This is 4.5% lower than the national average for the profession.
How much can a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina expect to earn?
- Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina typically earn between $63,990 and $99,520 annually. The median salary falls right in the middle of this range at $80,090 per year.
Is the salary for Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina higher or lower than the national average?
- The salary for Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina is lower than the national average, by approximately 4.5%. The median salary here is $80,090 annually, compared to the national median.
What is the total number of Respiratory Therapists employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 4,630 Respiratory Therapists employed in North Carolina. The median salary for these professionals is $80,090 per year.