Respiratory Therapists Salary in South Central Tennessee

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

Median annual salary $62,560 -22.2% vs national
Median hourly $30.08
10th percentile $47,740
90th percentile $75,840
Employed locally 100
National median $80,450

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Respiratory Therapists
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South Central Tennessee
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $47,740
    25th
    $58,580
    50th (median)
    $62,560
    75th
    $67,800
    90th
    $75,840

    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 South Central Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $74,630
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $51,350
    Pharmacy Technicians $37,790
    Nurse Practitioners $108,920
    Pharmacists $127,860
    Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $54,650

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Respiratory Therapists make per hour in South Central Tennessee?

    The median hourly wage for Respiratory Therapists in South Central Tennessee is $30.08, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $36.74 or more per hour.

    Is South Central Tennessee above or below average for Respiratory Therapists salaries?

    The median Respiratory Therapists salary in South Central Tennessee is 22.2% 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 South Central Tennessee?

    Entry-level Respiratory Therapists (10th percentile) earn around $47,740 per year in South Central Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $58,580.