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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Memphis, TN

How much does a respiratory therapist make in Memphis? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Memphis's cost of living.

Median Salary
$63,760
per year in Memphis
Entry Level
$42,194
Starting salary
Senior Level
$87,201
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
89
11% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how respiratory therapist salaries break down across different pay periods in Memphis.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$42,194$63,760$87,201
Monthly$3,516$5,313$7,267
Biweekly$1,623$2,452$3,354
Weekly$811$1,226$1,677
Hourly$20$31$42

Memphis vs National Average

How Memphis's respiratory therapist salaries compare to national figures.

Memphis Salary
$63,760
COL Index: 89
National Average
$78,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$14,280
Lower in Memphis

Cost of Living in Memphis

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$46,123
per year
Population
633,104
residents
Rent % of Income
28.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 89 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Memphis have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Respiratory Therapist

Overview

Treat patients with respiratory conditions and operate breathing equipment.

Education

Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy; licensure required

Key Skills

Respiratory CarePatient AssessmentEquipment ManagementClinical Skills

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +15% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Respiratory Therapist Salary

See Respiratory Therapist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$104,840
+64%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,250
+59%
Chicago, IL
$82,900
+30%
Houston, TX
$77,680
+22%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,750
+27%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a respiratory therapist salary in Memphis.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Respiratory Therapist Salary in Memphis, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a respiratory therapist in Memphis, TN is $63,760 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 89. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Memphis's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level respiratory therapist professionals in Memphis can expect to earn around $42,194 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level respiratory therapists earning approximately $87,201 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Memphis's cost of living index of 89 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Memphis are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $78,040, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a respiratory therapist's salary in Memphis typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 20.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Respiratory Therapists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 15% over the next decade. In Memphis, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.