📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee · 12.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$64,310
per year
Median
$62,075
per year
Hourly
$30.92
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$46,525
25th Percentile — Junior$55,075
50th Percentile — Median$62,075
75th Percentile — Senior$74,313
90th Percentile — Top Earners$80,167
💡 Top-earning Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee make up to $80,167 per year. The job market in Tennessee is rated strong, with key industries including Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$52.9k
2021
$55.0k
2022
$57.2k
2023
$59.5k
2024
$61.8k
2025
$64.3k
2026
📈 Respiratory Therapist salaries in Tennessee have followed the national trend with 4.0% annual growth. The strong demand in Tennessee's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in Tennessee
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Nashville $61,094 -5.0% High
Memphis $54,020 -16.0% High
🔍
Respiratory Therapist Job Market in Tennessee
Key factors affecting compensation

Tennessee is home to a strong job market for Respiratory Therapists. The state's key industries — Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $64,310 per year, Tennessee's Respiratory Therapist salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Tennessee (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Tennessee can expect to earn $46,525–$55,075, while experienced Respiratory Therapists can command $74,313–$80,167.

Looking ahead, the Respiratory Therapist profession in Tennessee is projected to grow at 4.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Healthcare continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Respiratory Therapist salary in Tennessee is $64,310 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $73,080.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Respiratory Therapists the highest wages in Tennessee due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Tennessee has a strong job market with major industries in Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism. This makes it one of the better states for Respiratory Therapist employment.
  • At $64,310/year, Tennessee Respiratory Therapist salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $73,080/year.