verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kentucky

Median Annual in Kentucky
$72,750/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$34.98/hr
▼ 12% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Kentucky

groups Employed in KY
2,530
public U.S. Median
$82,280
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$80,691 #42 of 51

Respiratory Therapist pay in Kentucky, explained

Respiratory therapists in Kentucky earn a median of $72,750 per year ($34.98 per hour), which is 12% below the national median of $82,280. Entry-level workers earn around $58,330, while the most experienced respiratory therapists reach about $92,540. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Kentucky.

Is $72,750 good pay in Kentucky?

Adjusted for Kentucky's cost of living (which runs 90% of the U.S. average), that $72,750 is worth about $80,691 in national buying power — ranking Kentucky #42 for real pay (vs #45 on the sticker number).

See the full Respiratory Therapist Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Respiratory Therapist pay by experience in Kentucky

Entry level (10th pct)
$58,330
$28.04/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$72,750
$34.98/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$92,540
$44.49/hr

Respiratory Therapist pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs KY
Kentucky (here) $72,750 $80,691
Illinois $84,090 $84,125 −$11,340
Virginia $82,910 $82,005 −$10,160
Ohio $79,920 $86,145 −$7,170
Indiana $79,730 $85,429 −$6,980
Missouri $78,390 $86,316 −$5,640
Tennessee $72,140 $78,524 +$610
West Virginia $68,670 $76,729 +$4,080

Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky: FAQ

How much do respiratory therapists make in Kentucky?

Respiratory therapists in Kentucky earn a median of $72,750 per year ($34.98 per hour), compared with $82,280 nationally.

Does Kentucky pay respiratory therapists well?

At $72,750, Kentucky pays 12% below the national median for respiratory therapists. An estimated 2,530 work in the state.

Respiratory Therapist salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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