📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Respiratory Therapist Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$66,503
per year
Median
$64,191
per year
Hourly
$31.97
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$48,110
25th Percentile — Junior$56,952
50th Percentile — Median$64,191
75th Percentile — Senior$76,846
90th Percentile — Top Earners$82,899
💡 Top-earning Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina make up to $82,899 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$54.7k
2021
$56.8k
2022
$59.1k
2023
$61.5k
2024
$63.9k
2025
$66.5k
2026
📈 Respiratory Therapist salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 4.0% annual growth. The strong demand in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $63,843 -4.0% High
Raleigh $65,173 -2.0% High
Greensboro $59,853 -10.0% High
Durham $64,508 -3.0% High
Winston-Salem $57,858 -13.0% High
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Respiratory Therapist Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Respiratory Therapists. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $66,503 per year, North Carolina's Respiratory Therapist salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $48,110–$56,952, while experienced Respiratory Therapists can command $76,846–$82,899.

Looking ahead, the Respiratory Therapist profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 4.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Respiratory Therapist salary in North Carolina is $66,503 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $73,080.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Respiratory Therapists the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Respiratory Therapist employment.
  • At $66,503/year, North Carolina Respiratory Therapist salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $73,080/year.