Healthcare Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kentucky

The median respiratory therapist salary in Kentucky is $61,370 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $70,540.

Median Salary
$61,370
vs National
$-9,170
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $43,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,650 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,640
$-9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,650
$-12,350 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $41,760
25th Percentile $49,590
Median (50th) $61,370
75th Percentile $74,820
90th Percentile $86,130

Respiratory Therapist Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for respiratory therapists in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Louisville, KY
$64,897
Pop. 633,045 · COL 92%
Lexington, KY
$65,602
Pop. 322,570 · COL 93%
Bowling Green, KY
$59,254
Pop. 74,735 · COL 84%
Owensboro, KY
$57,843
Pop. 60,183 · COL 82%
Covington, KY
$62,075
Pop. 40,961 · COL 88%

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Kentucky has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook in Kentucky

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Kentucky's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Kentucky:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Kentucky? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Kentucky is $61,370 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $41,760 (10th percentile) to $86,130 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,370, a respiratory therapist in Kentucky earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for respiratory therapists? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for respiratory therapist pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level respiratory therapists earn $43,500, while senior professionals earn $82,650.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for respiratory therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for respiratory therapists is Hawaii at $125,561. Kentucky's median of $61,370 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($61,370) and Kansas ($61,370).
What is the entry-level respiratory therapist salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level respiratory therapist in Kentucky earns approximately $43,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $62,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $82,650.
What city in Kentucky pays respiratory therapists the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for respiratory therapists, with a median salary of $65,602. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.