How much does a respiratory therapist make in Columbia?
$79,780a year
Median yearly pay for respiratory therapists in the Columbia, SC metro area. That is $38.36 an hour or $6,648 a month.
- Hourly
- $38.36
- Vs. national median
- -3%
- Rank among cities
- 133 of 278
- Jobs in the area
- 330
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $61,050Median: $79,780Highest 10%: $84,690
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $61,050 | $29.35 | |
| 25th | $67,920 | $32.65 | |
| Median | $79,780 | $38.36 | |
| 75th | $82,760 | $39.79 | |
| 90th | $84,690 | $40.72 |
Other cities in South Carolina
Median yearly pay for respiratory therapists.
| Charlotte, NC | $82,020 |
| Charleston, SC | $79,410 |
| Augusta, GA | $78,560 |
| Florence, SC | $78,550 |
| Greenville, SC | $78,390 |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $76,440 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $67,700 |
Related jobs in Columbia
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Physician | $374,300 |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist | $296,000 |
| Anesthesiologist | $290,600 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $271,400 |
| Psychiatrist | $251,100 |
| Surgeon | $239,200 |
| Dentist | $228,800 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $224,400 |
| Optometrist | $156,400 |
| Pharmacist | $133,900 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a respiratory therapist make an hour in Columbia?
The median hourly pay in the Columbia, SC metro area is $38.36 ($79,780 a year).
Do respiratory therapists make more in Columbia than the national average?
No: $79,780 against $82,280 nationally, 3% less.
How does Columbia compare with the rest of South Carolina?
The median in South Carolina is $77,740, so Columbia pays 3% more.
Where does Columbia rank for respiratory therapist pay?
133 of 278 metro areas with data.
How much does a respiratory therapist make starting out in Columbia?
The lowest-paid 10% make $61,050 or less a year; the top 10% make $84,690 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.