Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Respiratory Therapist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for respiratory therapist in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$65,000 median (19% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of 65,000, Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee earn 19% below the national median of $80,450. Tennessee ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$65,000Hourly estimate
$31.2519% below national median
Difference: -$15,450
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRespiratory Therapist Salary Ranking
#47 of 50 statesfor Respiratory Therapist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | 103,820 |
| #2 | California | 102,120 |
| #3 | New Jersey | 98,020 |
| #4 | Washington | 97,150 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | 96,940 |
Nearby States Comparison
Respiratory Therapist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $65,000 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $65,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $79,600 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $77,050 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $81,890 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $64,010 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $61,320 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $67,960 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $73,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243-1010
Phone: 6157413807
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $79,240 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $57,760 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $46,090 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Respiratory Therapists.
What education do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Respiratory Therapist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Respiratory Therapist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee is 65,000. Salaries range from $51,840 (10th percentile) to $80,940 (90th percentile).
How does the Respiratory Therapist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee earn 19% below the national median of $80,450, with a state median of 65,000.
How many Respiratory Therapists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 3,070 Respiratory Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Respiratory Therapists in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards.