Respiratory Therapist in South Carolina

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

Median annual salary

$75,960

trending_down -5.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.

engineering

1,930

Jobs (SC)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$240

Licensing fees

schedule

2 years (Associate degree) + application processing time

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in South Carolina

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in South Carolina, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited Associate degree program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam. The licensing body is the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. A criminal background check is required, and a temporary license may be available for up to 90 days. South Carolina is also part of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which facilitates practice across member states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $62,190

25th percentile $65,110

50th (median) $75,960

75th percentile $79,130

90th (experienced) $82,470

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

checklist South Carolina requirements

Licensing body	South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($120)
Application fee	$120
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Reciprocity	South Carolina participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact and offers licensure by endorsement.Reciprocal states: South Carolina participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed respiratory therapists from other compact member states to practice. Licensure by endorsement is also available for those licensed outside of compact states.
Notes	A criminal background check is required. First-time renewals are exempt from continuing education requirements. Licenses expire on May 31st of odd-numbered years. South Carolina uses CE Broker to track continuing education compliance. Temporary licenses may be issued for up to 90 days.

Source: South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to South Carolina? See whether South Carolina recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Respiratory Therapist license reciprocity guide.

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_circleSouth 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 I become a respiratory therapist in South Carolina? expand_more

To become a respiratory therapist in South 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 ($120 fee).

Is a respiratory therapist license required in South Carolina? expand_more

Yes, South Carolina requires a state license to practice as a respiratory therapist. The licensing body is South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. You must pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.

How much do respiratory therapists make in South Carolina? expand_more

In South Carolina, the median pay for respiratory therapists comes to $75,960/year. — 6% under the $80,450 national average. The range spans from $62,190 at the entry level to $82,470 for top earners.

What are the fees to become a respiratory therapist in South Carolina? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($120) and application fee ($120) and required training.

How quickly can I become a respiratory therapist in South Carolina? expand_more

Most candidates in South Carolina complete the process in 2 years (Associate degree) + application processing time, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

What's required to renew a respiratory therapist license in South Carolina? expand_more

To keep your license active, South Carolina mandates 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.