Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Columbia, SC
Respiratory Therapists in Columbia, SC, earn an average annual salary of $74,020. This figure is notably below the national average of $84,540, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and supply, may be influencing compensation in this South Carolina hub. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $74,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,470.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 360 Respiratory Therapists, Columbia, SC, presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally large, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.05 indicates a concentration of these roles that is slightly above the national average, suggesting a steady demand that aligns with the national distribution of the profession.
Salary Overview
The average Respiratory Therapists in Columbia, SC earns-12.4%below the national average.
$35.6
$1,423
$6,168
Respiratory Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Respiratory Therapists in Columbia, SC, have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and increasing healthcare needs typically drive incremental salary increases in specialized medical fields.
Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
The salary trajectory for Respiratory Therapists in Columbia, SC, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career progression and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $64,020 | $30.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $55,515 | $26.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $78,220 | $37.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $92,525 | $44.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $82,470 | $39.6 |
Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$74,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$74,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $74,020 in Columbia, SC, 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 Columbia is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
0.928
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, Columbia, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Respiratory Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.05 signifies that Columbia, SC, has a slightly higher concentration of Respiratory Therapists compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive job market where demand is present and slightly more pronounced than in other regions, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $68,430↓ 8% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $73,320↓ 1% | 13 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $75,030↑ 1% | 13 mi |
| Florence, SC Respiratory Therapists Salary | $76,940↑ 4% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Columbia, SC is $74,020. This typically ranges from $64,020 for entry-level positions to $82,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 12.4% lower than the national median of $84,540.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $74,020 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable. The slightly above-average concentration of jobs (LQ 1.05) indicates steady demand.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($68,430) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does Columbia, SC compare to the national average salary for Respiratory Therapists?
Respiratory Therapists in Columbia, SC, earn an average of $74,020 annually, which is approximately $10,520 less than the national average of $84,540.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC for Respiratory Therapists?
The cost of living in Columbia, SC, is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. This means your salary of $74,020 has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
How concentrated are Respiratory Therapist jobs in Columbia, SC?
Columbia, SC has a Location Quotient of 1.05 for Respiratory Therapists, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Respiratory Therapists employed in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 360 Respiratory Therapists employed in Columbia, SC, representing a stable segment of the local healthcare workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 0.928 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 Columbia, SC