North Carolina ranks 33rd of 51 states and D.C. for respiratory therapists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($104,240) by $27,190 — a 35% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $61,370 to $90,910 — a $29,540 spread, 37% tighter than the national $46,920 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.3% of all respiratory therapists in the country (4,440 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $61,370 | $29.51 |
| 25th percentile | $65,240 | $31.37 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $77,050 | $37.04 |
| 75th percentile | $82,750 | $39.78 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $90,910 | $43.71 |
| Mean (average) | $76,710 | $36.88 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $77,050 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $104,240 | +35% |
| New York | $103,820 | +35% |
| California | $102,120 | +33% |
| New Jersey | $98,020 | +27% |
| Washington | $97,150 | +26% |
| Massachusetts | $96,940 | +26% |
| Oregon | $96,130 | +25% |
| Hawaii | $94,670 | +23% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Logisticians | $77,030 | 7,550 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $77,090 | 40,580 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $77,320 | 4,340 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $77,360 | 30,140 |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $75,850 | 18,530 |
| Loan Officers | $75,820 | 11,890 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Respiratory Therapists salary in North Carolina?
The mean respiratory therapists salary in North Carolina is $76,710 per year. The median (middle) salary is $77,050 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina?
Entry-level respiratory therapistss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $61,370 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $65,240 per year.
What is the highest Respiratory Therapists salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $90,910 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $82,750 per year.
How does the North Carolina Respiratory Therapists salary compare to the national average?
The median respiratory therapists salary in North Carolina is $77,050, which is -4% below national average of $80,450.