Respiratory Therapist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $63,486 (2026)

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $63,486, which is $705 below the Tennessee state average of $64,191. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $63,486 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $72,143 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Chattanooga spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $89,100 at the 90th percentile — a $45,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$45,000

$-5,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$64,800

$-7,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$85,500

$-9,500 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$43,200	$43,680	$48,000
25th Percentile	$51,300	$51,870	$57,000
Median (50th)	$63,486	$64,191	$70,540
75th Percentile	$77,400	$78,260	$86,000
90th Percentile	$89,100	$90,090	$99,000

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$43,200

25th Percentile

$51,300

Median (50th)

$63,486

75th Percentile

$77,400

90th Percentile

$89,100

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Chattanooga

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $63,486 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $89,100 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $63,486, a respiratory therapist in Chattanooga earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Chattanooga's median respiratory therapist salary of $63,486 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $64,191. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $63,486 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Chattanooga? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Chattanooga require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee