Respiratory Therapist Salary in Tennessee
Respiratory Therapist pay in Tennessee, explained
Respiratory therapists in Tennessee earn a median of $72,140 per year ($34.68 per hour), which is 12% below the national median of $82,280. Entry-level workers earn around $57,860, while the most experienced respiratory therapists reach about $88,060. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Tennessee.
Is $72,140 good pay in Tennessee?
Adjusted for Tennessee's cost of living (which runs 92% of the U.S. average), that $72,140 is worth about $78,524 in national buying power — ranking Tennessee #45 for real pay (vs #46 on the sticker number).
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Respiratory Therapist pay by experience in Tennessee
Respiratory Therapist pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs TN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (here) | $72,140 | $78,524 | — |
| Georgia | $83,700 | $86,922 | −$11,560 |
| Virginia | $82,910 | $82,005 | −$10,770 |
| North Carolina | $80,090 | $84,908 | −$7,950 |
| Missouri | $78,390 | $86,316 | −$6,250 |
| Arkansas | $73,870 | $84,970 | −$1,730 |
| Kentucky | $72,750 | $80,691 | −$610 |
| Alabama | $66,150 | $74,474 | +$5,990 |
| Mississippi | $63,270 | $72,763 | +$8,870 |
Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee: FAQ
How much do respiratory therapists make in Tennessee?
Respiratory therapists in Tennessee earn a median of $72,140 per year ($34.68 per hour), compared with $82,280 nationally.
Does Tennessee pay respiratory therapists well?
At $72,140, Tennessee pays 12% below the national median for respiratory therapists. An estimated 3,440 work in the state.