Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
Respiratory Therapists in Winston-Salem, NC, earn an average annual salary of $75,370. This figure is notably below the national average of $84,540, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these local factors is crucial for aspiring and current respiratory therapists in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $75,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,160.
- Outlook: Winston-Salem presents a concentrated job market for Respiratory Therapists, with a local workforce of 460 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.89 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a well-established presence within the healthcare sector of the city.
Salary Overview
The average Respiratory Therapists in Winston-Salem, NC earns-10.8%below the national average.
$36.2
$1,449
$6,281
Respiratory Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Winston-Salem is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Respiratory Therapists have experienced a general upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, technological advancements in respiratory care, and inflation likely contribute to salary growth in this vital medical field.
Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Winston-Salem, NC
Career progression for Respiratory Therapists in Winston-Salem typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial opportunities for salary growth through skill development and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $63,080 | $30.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $56,528 | $27.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $80,560 | $38.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $94,213 | $45.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $85,160 | $40.9 |
Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $75,370 for Respiratory Therapists in Winston-Salem aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Respiratory Therapist's salary in Winston-Salem is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial standing relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
1.67
Per 1K Jobs
1.89
Location Quotient
Winston-Salem, NC has 1.9x the national concentration of Respiratory Therapists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.89, Winston-Salem demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Respiratory Therapists than the national average. This suggests a strong and potentially competitive job market where demand for these specialized healthcare providers is elevated, offering ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Respiratory Therapists Salary | $77,170↑ 2% | 23 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $72,030↓ 4% | 41 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $70,160↓ 7% | 41 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary | $71,440↓ 5% | 41 mi |
| Burlington, NC Respiratory Therapists Salary | $83,760↑ 11% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Winston-Salem, NC
Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Winston-Salem, NC is $75,370. This typically ranges from $63,080 for entry-level positions to $85,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winston-Salem, NC is 10.8% lower than the national median of $84,540.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?
Yes, with a stable cost of living.While the average salary is below the national average, the cost of living in Winston-Salem is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The high concentration of jobs also indicates strong local demand.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Winston-Salem, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Winston-Salem, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($77,170) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Winston-Salem salary compare to the national average?
Respiratory Therapists in Winston-Salem earn an average of $75,370 annually, which is less than the national average of $84,540.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC?
The cost of living in Winston-Salem is exactly at the national average, indexed at 100.
How concentrated is the Respiratory Therapist job market in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem has a high concentration of Respiratory Therapists, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.89, meaning there are significantly more of these professionals per worker than the national average.
How many Respiratory Therapists are there in Winston-Salem?
There are approximately 460 Respiratory Therapists working in Winston-Salem, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Winston-Salem, NC area with a job density of 1.67 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 Winston-Salem, NC