CertOutlook

Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NC. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$77,050
trending_down -4.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Carolina.

engineering
4,440

Jobs (NC)

monitoring Surging
+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$365

Licensing fees

schedule
2 years (Associate degree)

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in North Carolina

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina, individuals must obtain an Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) examination. The total initial fees, including application, background check, and initial license, amount to $213. Licenses must be renewed annually, requiring 12 hours of continuing education, with at least six hours from live, interactive courses. North Carolina also offers reciprocity for licensees from other states with substantially similar requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $61,370
25th percentile $65,240
50th (median) $77,050
75th percentile $82,750
90th (experienced) $90,910

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for North Carolina. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist North Carolina requirements

Licensing bodyNorth Carolina Respiratory Care Board
State license Required
EducationAssociate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
ExamNBRC CRT or RRT exam ($315)
Application fee$50
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
Continuing education12.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplicants must pass a state jurisprudence exam. A background check fee of $38 is also required. At least 6 of the 12 required CE hours must be obtained from live, interactive courses. A current BLS card is required if audited. Provisional licenses are available for up to 12 months for those who have completed education but not the exam, requiring direct supervision.

Source: North Carolina Respiratory Care Board

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+12.1%
Much faster than average
Annual openings
8,800
Nationwide per year
Total employment
139,600
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.19/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleNorth Carolina license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a respiratory therapist career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a respiratory therapist in North Carolina? expand_more
To become a respiratory therapist in North Carolina, you need to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($50 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a respiratory therapist in North Carolina? expand_more
Yes, North Carolina requires a state license to practice as a respiratory therapist. The licensing body is North Carolina Respiratory Care Board. You must pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.
What do respiratory therapists earn in North Carolina? expand_more
The median respiratory therapist salary in North Carolina is $77,050 per year. — within a few percent of the $80,450 national figure. New respiratory therapists start around $61,370; seasoned professionals can reach $90,910.
What's the total cost to get respiratory therapist certified in North Carolina? expand_more
Between exam fee ($315) and application fee ($50), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
What's the timeline to become a respiratory therapist in North Carolina? expand_more
Expect to spend 2 years (Associate degree) from start to finish in North Carolina — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What's required to renew a respiratory therapist license in North Carolina? expand_more
License renewal in North Carolina requires completing 12.0 hours of continuing education on a 1.0-year cycle.

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