Respiratory Therapist Salary Guide: Tennessee
Average Respiratory Therapist Salary
$32.48/hour
The average salary for a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee is $32.48 per hour. This is 23% lower than the US average of $40.10.
Last updated on November 12, 2026. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Respiratory Therapist salaries in Tennessee compared to National Averages
$32.48/hour
Tennessee
23% lower than the US average.
$40.10/hour
United States
What cities in Tennessee pay the most for Respiratory Therapists?
Nashville, Tennessee pays Respiratory Therapists the most, averaging $41 per hour, followed by Franklin, Tennessee ($40) and Murfreesboro, Tennessee ($39). Gallatin, Tennessee has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $100. For comparison, the Tennessee average for Respiratory Therapists is $32 per hour — Nashville, Tennessee pays 26% more.
| City | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville, Tennessee | $41 | $59 |
| Franklin, Tennessee | $40 | $43 |
| Murfreesboro, Tennessee | $39 | $44 |
| Lebanon, Tennessee | $38 | $43 |
| Gallatin, Tennessee | $27 | $100 |
How does the pay for Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee compare to nearby states?
Virginia pays Respiratory Therapists the most, averaging $54 per hour, followed by South Carolina ($32) and Ohio ($28). Virginia also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $59. For comparison, the Tennessee average for Respiratory Therapists is $32 per hour — Virginia pays 66% more.
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $54 | $59 |
| South Carolina | $32 | $36 |
| Ohio | $28 | $36 |
| Georgia | $28 | $36 |
| North Carolina | $28 | $36 |
| Pennsylvania | $28 | $37 |
| Alabama | $25 | $33 |
| West Virginia | $25 | $33 |
| Kentucky | $24 | $31 |
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Respiratory Therapist jobs in Tennessee?
Perm Staff Jobs pays Respiratory Therapists the most, averaging $27 per hour, followed by Tenet Memphis ($21). Perm Staff Jobs also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $27. For comparison, the Tennessee average for Respiratory Therapists is $32 per hour — Perm Staff Jobs pays 18% less.
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Perm Staff Jobs | $27 | $27 |
| Tenet Memphis | $21 | $21 |
Last updated on November 12, 2026. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.
Respiratory Therapist Career Guide
Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.
Go to the guideTop Respiratory Therapist Jobs
Certified Respiratory Therapy - NICU
- TriStar Centennial Medical Center
- Lebanon, TN
$27-92/hour
Certified Respiratory Therapy - NICU
- TriStar Centennial Medical Center
- Murfreesboro, TN
$27-92/hour
Certified Respiratory Therapy - NICU
- TriStar Centennial Medical Center
- Nashville, TN
$27-92/hour
Respiratory Therapist
- TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center
- Hendersonville, TN
$10-100/hour
Registered Respiratory Therapist
- TriStar Centennial Medical Center
- Franklin, TN
$33-43/hour
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