Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 3K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$72,750
$34.98/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
-13.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $93K
3K employed in Kentucky
Respiratory Therapist salary in Kentucky averages $72,750 annually, according to the latest employment data. This figure represents the median earnings for approximately 2,530 respiratory therapists currently working throughout the state. However, Kentucky's median falls about 13% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and varying healthcare infrastructure across the state.
Several factors influence respiratory therapist compensation in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the type of healthcare facility. Therapists working in urban medical centers or specialized facilities typically earn more than those in rural clinics or smaller hospitals. Additionally, certifications beyond the basic credential and geographic location within the state can impact individual earning potential within this healthcare field.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,330 |
| 25th percentile | $63,110 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $72,750 |
| 75th percentile | $79,730 |
| 90th percentile | $92,540 |
Top-Paying Industries for Respiratory Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Respiratory Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Respiratory Therapists in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $138,620 | 50 |
| Educational Services | $97,360 | 800 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $82,630 | 129K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $81,120 | 200 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $80,250 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,010 |
| 2023 | $63,420 |
| 2024 | $65,670 |
| 2025 | $72,750 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,115 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,010 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $63,420 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $65,670 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $72,750 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,115 | $88,915 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,110 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $72,750 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $79,730 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $92,540 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Respiratory Therapist ($72,750 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +667.3% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +378.3% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +335.9% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +284.9% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +241.9% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +232.0% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +226.8% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +205.9% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +176.6% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +141.5% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +132.8% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +122.9% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for respiratory therapists in Kentucky is $72,750 per year, or $35 per hour. This is approximately 13.3% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in Kentucky?
- Respiratory therapist salaries in Kentucky range from $58,330 at the lower end to $92,540 at the higher end, depending on experience and employer.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 2,530 respiratory therapists currently employed in Kentucky.
Is respiratory therapy a well-paying job in Kentucky?
- While respiratory therapists in Kentucky earn a median salary of $72,750 annually, this is 13.3% lower than the national average, so compensation tends to be slightly below typical rates for this profession across the United States.