Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Healthcare
Respiratory Therapist Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for respiratory therapist in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Respiratory Care Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$77,050 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#32 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Respiratory Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NC Respiratory Care Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $77,050, Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina earn 4% below the national median of $80,450. North Carolina ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$77,050Hourly estimate
$37.044% below national median
Difference: -$3,400
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRespiratory Therapist Salary Ranking
#32 of 50 statesfor Respiratory Therapist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $103,820 |
| #2 | California | $102,120 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $98,020 |
| #4 | Washington | $97,150 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $96,940 |
Nearby States Comparison
Respiratory Therapist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $77,050 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $79,600 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $65,000 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $81,890 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $75,960 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NC Respiratory Care Board
125 Edinburgh South Dr., Ste 100, Cary, NC, 27511
Phone: 9198785595
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $73,100 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $397,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $52,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $79,460 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Respiratory Therapists.
What education do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Respiratory Therapist licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Respiratory Therapist salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina is $77,050. Salaries range from $61,370 (10th percentile) to $90,910 (90th percentile).
How does the Respiratory Therapist salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina earn 4% below the national median of $80,450, with a state median of $77,050.
How many Respiratory Therapists work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 4,440 Respiratory Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Respiratory Care Board. Review agency details at http://www.ncrcb.org/.
How often do you renew a Respiratory Therapist license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.