Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Respiratory Therapists in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area earn an average annual salary of $77,610. This figure is notably below the national average of $84,540, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand play a significant role in compensation within this region. Factors such as the concentration of healthcare facilities and the overall economic landscape likely influence this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $77,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,880.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a local workforce of 300 Respiratory Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of 0.781 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for these specialized healthcare providers within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Respiratory Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-8.2%below the national average.
$37.3
$1,493
$6,468
Respiratory Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Respiratory Therapists across the nation, including in Charleston-North Charleston, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing healthcare needs, advancements in medical technology, and a persistent demand for skilled respiratory care professionals.
Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Respiratory Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge and advanced clinical competencies.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $66,150 | $31.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $58,208 | $28 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $77,700 | $37.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $97,013 | $46.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $89,880 | $43.2 |
Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$77,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $77,610 for Respiratory Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Respiratory Therapist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally affordable nor expensive relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
0.781
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.88x the national average concentration of Respiratory Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.88 for Respiratory Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston indicates that the occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike. The demand appears steady, without the intense competition often seen in areas with a higher LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Respiratory Therapists Salary | $72,220↓ 7% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Respiratory Therapists Salary | $73,880↓ 5% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $68,430↓ 12% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $77,610. This typically ranges from $66,150 for entry-level positions to $89,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 8.2% lower than the national median of $84,540.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $77,610 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $84,540. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is equivalent.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC ($72,220) and Savannah, GA.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $77,610, which is lower than the national average of $84,540.
What is the Cost of Living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC for Respiratory Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary will have the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
How concentrated is the Respiratory Therapist job market in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The job market for Respiratory Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a Location Quotient of 0.88, indicating it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
What is the total number of Respiratory Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
There are approximately 300 Respiratory Therapists employed in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 0.781 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Respiratory Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC