Healthcare Lexington, KY Pop. 322,570

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Lexington, Kentucky

The median respiratory therapist salary in Lexington, KY is $65,602 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 6.9% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$65,602
vs State Avg
+$4,232
vs National
$-4,938
Cost of Living
93%

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Lexington: What to Expect (2026)

Lexington offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $65,602, which is $4,232 above the Kentucky state average of $61,370. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lexington's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Lexington spans from $44,640 at the 10th percentile to $92,070 at the 90th percentile — a $47,430 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,350. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Lexington by Experience

In Lexington, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $46,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,350
$-6,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lexington, KY

Percentile Lexington
10th Percentile $44,640
25th Percentile $53,010
Median (50th) $65,602
75th Percentile $79,980
90th Percentile $92,070

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Louisville, KY
$64,897
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$62,075
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$59,254
Pop. 74,735
Owensboro, KY
$57,843
Pop. 60,183

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Lexington

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Lexington and the surrounding Kentucky area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Lexington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Lexington

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Lexington, KY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Lexington

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Lexington, KY? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Lexington, Kentucky is $65,602 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $44,640 (10th percentile) to $92,070 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Lexington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,602, a respiratory therapist in Lexington earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lexington compare to the Kentucky state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Lexington's median respiratory therapist salary of $65,602 is 6.9% above the Kentucky state average of $61,370. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lexington, KY? ▼
Lexington has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $65,602 in Lexington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Lexington? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Lexington require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.