Respiratory Therapist Salary in Tennessee
Based on 3K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$72,140
$34.68/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-14.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $88K
3K employed in Tennessee
The median Respiratory Therapist salary in Tennessee stands at $72,140 per year, with a typical range between $57,860 and $88,060. This figure is notably 14% below the national average for the profession. Currently, there are approximately 3,440 Respiratory Therapists employed across the state, contributing to the healthcare landscape.
Several factors can influence your Respiratory Therapist salary in Tennessee. Experience level is a significant driver, with seasoned professionals earning more. The specific healthcare setting, whether a large hospital system or a smaller clinic, and geographical location within Tennessee can also impact compensation, as can specialized certifications and the demand for respiratory care services.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,860 |
| 25th percentile | $63,660 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $72,140 |
| 75th percentile | $78,640 |
| 90th percentile | $88,060 |
Top-Paying Industries for Respiratory Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Respiratory Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $138,620 | 50 |
| Educational Services | $97,360 | 800 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $82,630 | 129K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $81,120 | 200 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $80,250 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,850 |
| 2023 | $63,250 |
| 2024 | $65,000 |
| 2025 | $72,140 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,468 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,850 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $63,250 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $65,000 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $72,140 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,468 | $88,915 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,660 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $72,140 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,640 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $88,060 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Respiratory Therapist ($72,140 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +745.7% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +417.8% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +391.5% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +358.3% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +221.9% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +214.4% | $109.05/hr |
| Dentist in TN | $215,290 | +198.4% | $103.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | +197.9% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | +194.5% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | +193.1% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +144.3% | $84.72/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | +86.0% | $64.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee is $72,140 per year, which averages out to $35 per hour. This is 14.0% lower than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee?
- Most Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee can expect to earn between $57,860 and $88,060 annually. The median salary falls right in the middle of this range at $72,140 per year.
How many Respiratory Therapists are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 3,440 Respiratory Therapists employed across Tennessee. The median annual salary for these professionals is $72,140.
Is the salary for Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee higher or lower than the national average?
- Respiratory Therapist salaries in Tennessee are lower than the national average. The median salary in Tennessee is $72,140 per year, which is 14.0% less than the national average.