Respiratory Therapist Salary in Owensboro, KY: $57,843 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $57,843, which is $3,527 below the Kentucky state average of $61,370. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $57,843 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $70,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Owensboro spans from $39,360 at the 10th percentile to $81,180 at the 90th percentile — a $41,820 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $41,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,000

$-9,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$59,040

$-12,960 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,900

$-17,100 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$39,360	$41,760	$48,000
25th Percentile	$46,740	$49,590	$57,000
Median (50th)	$57,843	$61,370	$70,540
75th Percentile	$70,520	$74,820	$86,000
90th Percentile	$81,180	$86,130	$99,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$39,360

25th Percentile

$46,740

Median (50th)

$57,843

75th Percentile

$70,520

90th Percentile

$81,180

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Owensboro

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Owensboro 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 Owensboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $57,843 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $39,360 (10th percentile) to $81,180 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $57,843, a respiratory therapist in Owensboro earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Owensboro's median respiratory therapist salary of $57,843 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $61,370. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $57,843 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Owensboro? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Owensboro 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.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky