Healthcare Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median respiratory therapist salary in Chattanooga, TN is $63,486 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$63,486
vs State Avg
$-705
vs National
$-7,054
Cost of Living
88%

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

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $51,300
Median (50th) $63,486
75th Percentile $77,400
90th Percentile $89,100

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$71,951
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$66,308
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$63,486
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$62,075
Pop. 633,104

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.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Chattanooga, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

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.