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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
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 baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
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 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $79,600 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $65,000 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $81,890 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| South Carolina | $75,960 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $79,460 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $80,350 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $59,390 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $48,710 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. 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/.