Healthcare Tennessee (TN) Rank #34 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Tennessee

The median respiratory therapist salary in Tennessee is $64,191 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$64,191
vs National
$-6,349
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $45,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,450 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,500
$-4,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,520
$-6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,450
$-8,550 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $43,680
25th Percentile $51,870
Median (50th) $64,191
75th Percentile $78,260
90th Percentile $90,090

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Nashville, TN
$71,951
Pop. 689,447 · COL 100%
Memphis, TN
$62,075
Pop. 633,104 · COL 86%
Knoxville, TN
$63,486
Pop. 190,740 · COL 88%
Chattanooga, TN
$63,486
Pop. 181,099 · COL 88%
Murfreesboro, TN
$66,308
Pop. 152,769 · COL 92%

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Tennessee

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Tennessee:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Tennessee? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Tennessee is $64,191 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $43,680 (10th percentile) to $90,090 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,191, a respiratory therapist in Tennessee earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $45,500, while senior professionals earn $86,450.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. Tennessee's median of $64,191 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($64,191) and New Mexico ($64,191).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in Tennessee earns approximately $45,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $65,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $86,450.
What city in Tennessee pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $71,951. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.