Respiratory Therapist Salary in South Carolina
Based on 2K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$77,740
$37.38/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-7.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $91K
2K employed in South Carolina
The median Respiratory Therapist salary in South Carolina is $77,740 per year, placing it below the national average by approximately 7%. With 1,960 workers in the field across the state, this data provides a clear snapshot of compensation for those dedicated to respiratory care in South Carolina. The typical salary range for these professionals falls between $63,700 and $90,670 annually.
Several factors influence the Respiratory Therapist salary in South Carolina. Experience level is a primary driver, with more seasoned professionals generally earning higher wages. Geographic location within the state, the type of healthcare facility (e.g., hospital versus clinic), and specific certifications or specializations also play a significant role in determining an individual's earning potential in this vital healthcare profession.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,700 |
| 25th percentile | $67,410 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $77,740 |
| 75th percentile | $82,400 |
| 90th percentile | $90,670 |
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 South 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 South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,490 |
| 2023 | $72,500 |
| 2024 | $75,960 |
| 2025 | $77,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,562 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,490 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $72,500 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $75,960 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $77,740 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,562 | $85,848 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $67,410 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $77,740 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $82,400 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $90,670 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Respiratory Therapist ($77,740 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Physician in SC | $359,500 | +362.4% | $172.84/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SC | $341,960 | +339.9% | $164.40/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SC | $302,340 | +288.9% | $145.36/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SC | $265,480 | +241.5% | $127.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SC | $239,200 | +207.7% | $115.00/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in SC | $238,970 | +207.4% | $114.89/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SC | $237,250 | +205.2% | $114.06/hr |
| Pediatrician in SC | $217,120 | +179.3% | $104.38/hr |
| Radiologist in SC | $174,480 | +124.4% | $83.88/hr |
| Podiatrist in SC | $167,110 | +115.0% | $80.34/hr |
| Dentist in SC | $158,640 | +104.1% | $76.27/hr |
| Optometrist in SC | $145,950 | +87.7% | $70.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Respiratory Therapist in South Carolina?
- The median salary for a Respiratory Therapist in South Carolina is $77,740 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37. This figure indicates a strong earning potential for professionals in this field within the state.
How does the Respiratory Therapist salary in South Carolina compare to the national average?
- Respiratory Therapists in South Carolina earn 7.3% less than the national average. This means the median salary of $77,740 per year is below the national benchmark for the profession.
What is the typical salary range for a Respiratory Therapist in South Carolina?
- The salary range for Respiratory Therapists in South Carolina typically falls between $63,700 and $90,670 per year. This range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and employer.
How many Respiratory Therapists are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 1,960 Respiratory Therapists employed in South Carolina. This number highlights the demand for these healthcare professionals within the state's healthcare system.