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Respiratory Therapists Salary in Tennessee
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Respiratory Therapists make in Tennessee?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$72,140
Median Annual Salary
▲
+11.0% vs 2024
$72,300
Mean Salary
$72,140
Median Salary
$34.68
Hourly Rate
3,440 people work as Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee
Respiratory Therapists salary by percentile in Tennessee
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee earn a median salary of $72,140 per year ($6,011/month).
This is 14.0% below the national average of $83,882.
Tennessee ranks #46 out of 51 states for Respiratory Therapists pay.
Approximately 3,440 people work in this occupation across Tennessee.
Salaries increased by 11.0% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Respiratory Therapists
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.88
Monitoring
3.88
Speaking
3.75
Reading Comprehension
3.62
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.33
Medicine and Dentistry
4.29
English Language
3.9
Education and Training
3.71
Psychology
3.42
Typical Education: Associate's Degree
(82.8% of workers)
Salaries for Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee range from $57,860 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $88,060 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $63,660 and $78,640.
Median $72,140
P10: $57,860P25: $63,660P75: $78,640P90: $88,060
10th
$57,860
25th
$63,660
Median
$72,140
75th
$78,640
90th
$88,060
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$57,860
$27.82
$4,821
25th Percentile
$63,660
$30.61
$5,305
Median (50th)
$72,140
$34.68
$6,011
75th Percentile
$78,640
$37.81
$6,553
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$88,060
$42.34
$7,338
Note: The mean (average) salary of $72,300 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Respiratory Therapists make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee is $72,140 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $72,300.
What is the salary range for a Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee?
Salaries for Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee range from $57,860 at the 10th percentile to $88,060 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $63,660 and $78,640.
What is the starting salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee?
Entry-level Respiratory Therapists positions in Tennessee typically start around $57,860 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $63,660 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,440 people are employed as Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee is approximately $34.68 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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