How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in South Carolina (2026)
South Carolina employs about 1,960 respiratory therapists earning a median $77,740 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 SC Board of Medical Examiners.
South Carolina employs approximately 1,960 respiratory therapists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $77,740 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 South 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: SC Board of Medical Examiners
- Exam: NBRC RRT (TMC and CSE)
- Median wage (South Carolina): $77,740 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in South Carolina
How to become a Respiratory Therapist in South Carolina? Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, the NBRC RRT exams, and state respiratory care licensure. Apply through SC Board of Medical Examiners.
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 SC Board of Medical Examiners.
Do I need a license in South Carolina? Yes. South Carolina credentials this role through SC Board of Medical Examiners 3. See the licensing section below.
What do respiratory therapists earn in South Carolina? The median annual wage for respiratory therapists in South Carolina is $77,740 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $63,700 and experienced professionals can earn $90,670 or more 1.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in South Carolina
- Meet program entry rules. Respiratory therapy programs in South 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 South 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 SC Board of Medical Examiners.
- Apply for state respiratory care licensure. Apply through SC Board of Medical Examiners 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 South Carolina
Respiratory therapists in South Carolina complete a CoARC-accredited program, earn NBRC RRT, and apply to SC Board of Medical Examiners for an RCP or equivalent license. See SC Board of Medical Examiners 3.
Typical path
Meet program entry rules.
Complete a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program.
Pass the NBRC RRT exams.
Apply to SC Board of Medical Examiners for state licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with SC Board of Medical Examiners before you enroll.
Respiratory Therapist Wages by Metro Area in South Carolina
Respiratory Therapists Wages by Metro Area in South Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), respiratory therapists wages in South 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 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer | 400 | $78,390 | $76,390 | $67,360 | $84,370 |
| Charleston-North Charleston | 390 | $79,410 | $81,270 | $60,020 | $90,670 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | 350 | $78,560 | $80,410 | $65,370 | $93,270 |
| Columbia | 330 | $79,780 | $75,320 | $61,050 | $84,690 |
| Spartanburg | 220 | $67,700 | $72,950 | $66,620 | $81,930 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach | 150 | $76,440 | $74,290 | $62,890 | $93,430 |
| Florence | 100 | $78,550 | $73,100 | $63,700 | $83,250 |
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 South Carolina? South Carolina currently employs approximately 1,960 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 South Carolina with an out-of-state license? Contact the SC Board of Medical Examiners for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in South Carolina? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in South Carolina.
How much do respiratory therapists earn in South Carolina compared to the national average? The median annual wage for respiratory therapists in South Carolina is $77,740, which is $2,710 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
SC Board of Medical Examiners - Licensing Information: http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Medical/ ↩︎ ↩︎
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) |