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Respiratory Therapists Salary in North Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Respiratory Therapists make in North Carolina?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$80,090
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.9% vs 2024
$81,360
Mean Salary
$80,090
Median Salary
$38.50
Hourly Rate
4,630 people work as Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina

Respiratory Therapists salary by percentile in North Carolina

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Respiratory Therapists salary in North Carolina — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $63,990$63,99025th25% earn less than $68,010$68,010MedianHalf earn more than $80,090$80,09075th75% earn less than $87,820$87,82090thTop 10% earn more than $99,520$99,520

Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina earn a median salary of $80,090 per year ($6,674/month). This is 4.5% below the national average of $83,882. North Carolina ranks #29 out of 51 states for Respiratory Therapists pay. Approximately 4,630 people work in this occupation across North Carolina. Salaries increased by 3.9% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.88
Monitoring
3.88
Speaking
3.75
Reading Comprehension
3.62

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.33
Medicine and Dentistry
4.29
English Language
3.9
Education and Training
3.71
Psychology
3.42
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (82.8% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina

Salaries for Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina range from $63,990 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $99,520 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $68,010 and $87,820.

Median $80,090
P10: $63,990 P25: $68,010 P75: $87,820 P90: $99,520
10th
$63,990
25th
$68,010
Median
$80,090
75th
$87,820
90th
$99,520
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $63,990 $30.76 $5,332
25th Percentile $68,010 $32.70 $5,667
Median (50th) $80,090 $38.50 $6,674
75th Percentile $87,820 $42.22 $7,318
90th Percentile (Experienced) $99,520 $47.85 $8,293

Note: The mean (average) salary of $81,360 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#29
North Carolina ranks #29 of 51 states
$83,882
National avg. for Respiratory Therapists
-4.5%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Respiratory Therapists salary in North Carolina adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Respiratory Therapists take-home pay in North Carolina after taxes →

Explore Respiratory Therapists Data in North Carolina

After-Tax Take-Home Pay Hourly Wage Breakdown Cost-of-Living Adjusted Entry-Level vs Senior Salary Employment Outlook & Job Demand

Respiratory Therapists Salary by State

Compare Respiratory Therapists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

District of Columbia $111,950 New York $107,810 California $104,820 Massachusetts $102,170 Washington $101,130 New Jersey $100,810 Oregon $100,560 Minnesota $98,710 Alaska $97,950 New Hampshire $95,940

View all 50 states →

Related Careers in North Carolina

Explore similar occupations and their salaries in North Carolina.

Dietetic TechniciansSimilar $31,010 Psychiatric TechniciansSimilar $40,630 Emergency Medical TechniciansSimilar $44,250 Pharmacy TechniciansSimilar $44,530 Ophthalmic Medical TechniciansSimilar $45,150 Veterinary Technologists and TechniciansSimilar $47,620 Medical Records SpecialistsSimilar $49,620 Opticians, DispensingSimilar $50,190 Recreational TherapistsSimilar $51,030 Exercise PhysiologistsSimilar $52,450

View all jobs in North Carolina →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Respiratory Therapists make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina is $80,090 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $81,360.
What is the salary range for a Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina?
Salaries for Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina range from $63,990 at the 10th percentile to $99,520 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $68,010 and $87,820.
What is the starting salary for a Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina?
Entry-level Respiratory Therapists positions in North Carolina typically start around $63,990 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $68,010 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 4,630 people are employed as Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina is approximately $38.50 per hour.

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More About North Carolina

Salary Data
All Salaries in North Carolina Average Salary in North Carolina Highest Paying Jobs in North Carolina
Salary Thresholds
Jobs Over $100K in North Carolina $100K+ Jobs Without a Degree in North Carolina
Top Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte Raleigh Greensboro Durham
Top Colleges in North Carolina
College of the Albemarle South Piedmont Community College Appalachian State University Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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