Respiratory Therapists pay in Tennessee
In Tennessee, the median pay for respiratory therapists is $34.68 an hour ($72,140 a year). About 3,440 people work in this job there.
That is 12% lower than the U.S. median ($82,280). Tennessee ranks 46th of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for respiratory therapists in Tennessee
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $27.82 | $57,860 |
| 25% of workers | $30.61 | $63,660 |
| Half of workers (median) | $34.68 | $72,140 |
| 75% of workers | $37.81 | $78,640 |
| 90% of workers | $42.34 | $88,060 |
Respiratory Therapists pay in Tennessee metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Clarksville | $79,150 | 60 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $78,700 | 1,070 |
| Chattanooga | $74,350 | 370 |
| Memphis | $66,460 | 670 |
| Jackson | $65,310 | 110 |
| Knoxville | $64,800 | 460 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $62,740 | 170 |
Tennessee unemployment rate: 3.4% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for respiratory therapists
- Typical education to start: Associate's degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
- Job outlook: +8.5% over ten years, much faster than average · about 8,600 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Tennessee
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $81,500 |
| Physical Therapists | $100,140 |
| Paramedics | $57,690 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $62,500 |
| Physician Assistants | $118,240 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | $62,420 |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $76,650 |
| Physical Therapist Aides | $30,320 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.