Respiratory Therapists Salary in East Tennessee

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $60,790 -24.4% vs national
Median hourly $29.23
10th percentile $52,260
90th percentile $80,040
Employed locally 110
National median $80,450

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Respiratory Therapists
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $52,260
    25th
    $60,790
    50th (median)
    $60,790
    75th
    $65,070
    90th
    $80,040

    Top-paying metros for Respiratory Therapists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $137,080
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $134,880
    Vallejo, CA $132,520
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $131,320
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $129,640
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $129,180

    Related occupations in East Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $71,110
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $51,380
    Pharmacy Technicians $36,180
    Pharmacists $124,990
    Nurse Practitioners $106,040
    Emergency Medical Technicians $34,620

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Respiratory Therapists make per hour in East Tennessee?

    The median hourly wage for Respiratory Therapists in East Tennessee is $29.23, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $40.51 or more per hour.

    Is East Tennessee above or below average for Respiratory Therapists salaries?

    The median Respiratory Therapists salary in East Tennessee is 24.4% below the national median of $80,450. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Respiratory Therapists in East Tennessee?

    Entry-level Respiratory Therapists (10th percentile) earn around $52,260 per year in East Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $60,790.