Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Respiratory Therapists in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $77,050. This figure is notably below the national average of $84,540, suggesting that while demand exists, local market dynamics or specific healthcare sector compositions may influence compensation levels. Understanding these regional pay scales is crucial for professionals considering a career in this vital healthcare field within North Carolina.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $77,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,220.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a local workforce of 450 Respiratory Therapists, indicating a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly large, professional community. With a Location Quotient of 1.49, the concentration of these roles is significantly higher than the national average, signaling a robust demand and a potentially favorable job market for skilled professionals in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Respiratory Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-8.9%below the national average.
$37.1
$1,482
$6,421
Respiratory Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Durham-Chapel Hill is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Respiratory Therapists in this region have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in respiratory care, and inflation likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory, making the profession increasingly attractive.
Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for Respiratory Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a significant salary gap that signifies substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $62,080 | $29.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $57,788 | $27.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $77,390 | $37.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $96,313 | $46.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $96,220 | $46.3 |
Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$77,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $77,050 for Respiratory Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill 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, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
1.316
Per 1K Jobs
1.49
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.49, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Respiratory Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.49 for Respiratory Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill indicates a market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a strong local demand and a potentially competitive environment, where employers may actively seek out qualified candidates, potentially leading to more job openings and career opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Respiratory Therapists Salary | $87,770↑ 14% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Respiratory Therapists Salary | $83,760↑ 9% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Respiratory Therapists Salary | $77,170↑ 0% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $72,030↓ 7% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $70,160↓ 9% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $77,050. This typically ranges from $62,080 for entry-level positions to $96,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 8.9% lower than the national median of $84,540.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $77,050 is below the national average, the strong concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.49) and a cost of living at the national average suggests good career prospects and stable earning potential.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($87,770) and Burlington, NC.
How does the Durham-Chapel Hill salary compare to the national average?
Respiratory Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill earn an average of $77,050 annually, which is approximately $7,490 less than the national average of $84,540.
What is the concentration of Respiratory Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.49, indicating that Respiratory Therapists are employed in this area at a rate 49% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Durham-Chapel Hill?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the $77,050 salary has average purchasing power.
What does the job market look like for Respiratory Therapists in this area?
The job market appears robust, with a higher-than-average concentration of roles and a local workforce of 450 professionals, suggesting consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 1.316 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC