Respiratory Therapist Salary in Memphis, TN: $62,075 (2026)

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

Memphis offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $62,075, which is $2,116 below the Tennessee state average of $64,191. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $62,075 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $72,180 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Memphis spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $87,120 at the 90th percentile — a $44,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$44,000

$-6,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$63,360

$-8,640 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$83,600

$-11,400 vs national

Percentile	Memphis	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$42,240	$43,680	$48,000
25th Percentile	$50,160	$51,870	$57,000
Median (50th)	$62,075	$64,191	$70,540
75th Percentile	$75,680	$78,260	$86,000
90th Percentile	$87,120	$90,090	$99,000

Percentile

Memphis

10th Percentile

$42,240

25th Percentile

$50,160

Median (50th)

$62,075

75th Percentile

$75,680

90th Percentile

$87,120

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Memphis

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Memphis 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 Memphis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Memphis

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

The median respiratory therapist salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $62,075 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $87,120 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $62,075, a respiratory therapist in Memphis earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Memphis's median respiratory therapist salary of $62,075 is 3.3% below the Tennessee state average of $64,191. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

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

Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $62,075 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most respiratory therapist positions in Memphis 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 Memphis, Tennessee