What is the starting salary for Respiratory Therapy graduates in Cary?

The estimated starting salary for Respiratory Therapy graduates in Cary, NC is $54,250 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108.5. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Cary are 8% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Respiratory Therapy degree worth it in Cary?

A Respiratory Therapy degree in Cary has an estimated ROI payback period of 6 years, with a projected lifetime return of $389,994 after subtracting education costs. With 7 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,200/year, Cary offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.1% and the major's national unemployment rate of 1.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Respiratory Therapy in Cary?

The average annual public university tuition in Cary is $9,200, while private universities average $34,000/year. Including room and board ($15,364/year), total 4-year costs range from $98,256 at a public school to $197,456 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Cary is $8,896/year.

What jobs can Respiratory Therapy graduates get in Cary?

Respiratory Therapy graduates in Cary can pursue careers as Respiratory Therapist, Pulmonary Function Technologist, Critical Care RT. Key skills valued by local employers include Ventilator Management, Airway Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, Critical Care. The Cary job market features Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Hospitals, Home Health Agencies, Sleep Centers.

How long to pay off student loans for Respiratory Therapy in Cary?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Respiratory Therapy graduates in Cary would pay $1,116/month on an estimated $98,256 in loans, with $35,625 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,922/month but save $18,532 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $54,250, monthly payments would represent 25% of gross monthly income.

Respiratory Therapy Degree in Cary, NC — Salary & ROI 2026

Respiratory Therapy degree analysis for Cary, NC. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$54K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$74K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6 yrs

in Cary

Cost of Living

108.5

index (100 = avg)

Respiratory Therapy in Cary, NC Overview

Cary, North Carolina (pop. 174,721) has 7 colleges offering Respiratory Therapy programs. The local cost of living index of 108.5 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,335/month. Respiratory Therapy has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Ventilator Management and Airway Management skills. The adjusted starting salary in Cary is approximately $54,250.

Respiratory Therapy Salary in Cary (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Cary's cost of living index of 108.5 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$54,250(+$4,250 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$73,780(+$5,780 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$84,630(+$6,630 vs national)

Note: National average Respiratory Therapy salary: $50,000 starting, $68,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Cary adjustment factor: 1.08x based on the local cost of living index.

Respiratory Therapy ROI Calculator for Cary

Estimate your return on investment for a Respiratory Therapy degree using local Cary tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,200 | Private avg: $34,000

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Cary avg aid: $8,896/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$98,256

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$16,275

vs HS diploma in Cary

ROI Payback Period

6 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Cary

$389,994

Lifetime earnings premium ($488,250) minus total education cost ($98,256)

Student Loan Payoff for Respiratory Therapy in Cary

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$98,256

Monthly Payment$1,116

Total Interest$35,625

% of Monthly Income25%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$98,256

Monthly Payment$1,922

Total Interest$17,093

Interest Savings$18,532

Colleges in Cary for Respiratory Therapy

Cary State University

public

$8,460/yr

$33,840 total

University of Cary

public

$9,070/yr

$36,280 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Cary Community College

$5,719/yr

Top Employers for Respiratory Therapy in Cary

Cary offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Respiratory Therapy graduates. National top employers in this field include:

HospitalsHome Health AgenciesSleep CentersNeonatal UnitsLong-Term Care

Key Cary Hiring Sectors for Healthcare

Hospitals

Medical centers

Private practices

Health systems

Pharma companies

Common Respiratory Therapy Job Titles

Respiratory TherapistPulmonary Function TechnologistCritical Care RT

Respiratory Therapy in Nearby North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC

$45K starting · COL 89

39 colleges

Raleigh, NC

$42K starting · COL 83

21 colleges

Greensboro, NC

$46K starting · COL 91

17 colleges

Durham, NC

$55K starting · COL 109

25 colleges

Winston-Salem, NC

$53K starting · COL 106

26 colleges

Fayetteville, NC

$45K starting · COL 90

15 colleges

Wilmington, NC

$48K starting · COL 95

5 colleges

High Point, NC

$42K starting · COL 84.5

5 colleges

Other Healthcare Majors in Cary

Pharmacy

$54K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Health Informatics

$54K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Nursing

$74K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Healthcare Administration

$54K starting · 4 yr ROI

Occupational Therapy

$54K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Dental Hygiene

$54K starting · 3 yr ROI

Speech-Language Pathology

$54K starting · 4.2 yr ROI

Public Health

$54K starting · 5.2 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Respiratory Therapy degree outcomes in Cary, NC: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Respiratory Therapy programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for North Carolina.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Cary using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Respiratory Therapy graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Respiratory Therapy career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Respiratory Therapy grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Cary Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), North Carolina students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (North Carolina)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — North Carolina programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "north carolina higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Respiratory Therapy Degree in Cary — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Respiratory Therapy ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Cary.

Respiratory Therapy Overview Colleges in Cary All Majors