Tennessee ranks 48th of 51 states and D.C. for respiratory therapists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($104,240) by $39,240 — a 60% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $51,840 to $80,940 — a $29,100 spread, 38% tighter than the national $46,920 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.3% of all respiratory therapists in the country (3,070 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $51,840 | $24.92 |
| 25th percentile | $61,410 | $29.53 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $65,000 | $31.25 |
| 75th percentile | $77,480 | $37.25 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $80,940 | $38.91 |
| Mean (average) | $68,820 | $33.09 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $65,000 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $104,240 | +60% |
| New York | $103,820 | +60% |
| California | $102,120 | +57% |
| New Jersey | $98,020 | +51% |
| Washington | $97,150 | +49% |
| Massachusetts | $96,940 | +49% |
| Oregon | $96,130 | +48% |
| Hawaii | $94,670 | +46% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,000 | 1,530 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $64,980 | 1,410 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | $64,980 | 1,400 |
| Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | $65,080 | 480 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $64,840 | 4,640 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $65,200 | 20,490 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Respiratory Therapists salary in Tennessee?
The mean respiratory therapists salary in Tennessee is $68,820 per year. The median (middle) salary is $65,000 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee?
Entry-level respiratory therapistss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $51,840 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $61,410 per year.
What is the highest Respiratory Therapists salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $80,940 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $77,480 per year.
How does the Tennessee Respiratory Therapists salary compare to the national average?
The median respiratory therapists salary in Tennessee is $65,000, which is -19% below national average of $80,450.