How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina (2026)
North Carolina employs about 4,630 respiratory therapists earning a median $80,090 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Respiratory Therapist here means completing a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure, then applying through NC Respiratory Care Board.
North Carolina employs approximately 4,630 respiratory therapists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $80,090 1. Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 12.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 8,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure
- Licensing authority: NC Respiratory Care Board
- Exam: NBRC RRT (TMC and CSE)
- Median wage (North Carolina): $80,090 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina
How to become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina? Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure. Apply through NC Respiratory Care Board.
How long does it take? Most people finish a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the program and NC Respiratory Care Board.
Do I need a license in North Carolina? Yes. North Carolina credentials this role through NC Respiratory Care Board 3. See the licensing section below.
What do respiratory therapists earn in North Carolina? The median annual wage for respiratory therapists in North Carolina is $80,090 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $63,990 and experienced professionals can earn $99,520 or more 1.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina
- Meet program entry rules. Respiratory therapy programs in North Carolina typically require a high school diploma or GED and science prerequisites. Confirm current rules with the program.
- Complete a CoARC-accredited program. Enroll in a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program in North Carolina, usually an associate degree. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NBRC RRT exams. Pass the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice exam and Clinical Simulation Exam for the RRT credential. CRT-only practice is limited; confirm with NC Respiratory Care Board.
- Apply for state respiratory care licensure. Apply through NC Respiratory Care Board before you practice. Confirm any jurisprudence or ethics exam with the board.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Respiratory Therapist License Requirements in North Carolina
Respiratory therapists in North Carolina complete a CoARC-accredited program, earn NBRC RRT, and apply to NC Respiratory Care Board for an RCP or equivalent license. See NC Respiratory Care Board 3.
Typical path
Meet program entry rules.
Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
Pass the NBRC RRT exams.
Apply to NC Respiratory Care Board for state licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with NC Respiratory Care Board before you enroll.
Respiratory Therapist Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
Respiratory Therapists Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), respiratory therapists wages in North Carolina vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 1,110 | $82,020 | $85,480 | $65,170 | $100,450 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 710 | $80,990 | $86,650 | $66,270 | $102,100 |
| Winston-Salem | 530 | $80,250 | $81,530 | $64,370 | $99,380 |
| Raleigh-Cary | 430 | $87,820 | $85,910 | $67,420 | $108,150 |
| Greensboro-High Point | 290 | $80,090 | $81,240 | $63,790 | $93,440 |
| Wilmington | 200 | $81,020 | $79,910 | $64,490 | $95,830 |
| Asheville | 150 | $81,550 | $80,680 | $66,620 | $92,960 |
| Greenville | 150 | $69,310 | $77,100 | $67,550 | $84,770 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | 130 | $78,350 | $87,370 | $63,900 | $125,590 |
| Fayetteville | 110 | $80,650 | $79,770 | $64,950 | $112,140 |
| Rocky Mount | 70 | $73,830 | $74,020 | $53,300 | $92,680 |
| Burlington | 40 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Jacksonville | 40 | $54,790 | $60,350 | $50,900 | $76,200 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for respiratory therapists in North Carolina? North Carolina currently employs approximately 4,630 respiratory therapists 1. Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 12.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a respiratory therapist in North Carolina with an out-of-state license? Contact the NC Respiratory Care Board for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in North Carolina? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in North Carolina.
How much do respiratory therapists earn in North Carolina compared to the national average? The median annual wage for respiratory therapists in North Carolina is $80,090, which is $360 below the national median of $80,450 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NC Respiratory Care Board - Licensing Information: http://www.ncrcb.org/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |