Respiratory Therapists pay in Kentucky
In Kentucky, the median pay for respiratory therapists is $34.98 an hour ($72,750 a year). About 2,530 people work in this job there.
That is 12% lower than the U.S. median ($82,280). Kentucky ranks 45th of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for respiratory therapists in Kentucky
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $28.04 | $58,330 |
| 25% of workers | $30.34 | $63,110 |
| Half of workers (median) | $34.98 | $72,750 |
| 75% of workers | $38.33 | $79,730 |
| 90% of workers | $44.49 | $92,540 |
Respiratory Therapists pay in Kentucky metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette | $80,040 | 430 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $76,560 | 840 |
| Paducah | $76,100 | 80 |
| Elizabethtown | $74,040 | 40 |
| Bowling Green | $68,490 | 90 |
Kentucky unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for respiratory therapists
- Typical education to start: Associate's degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
- Job outlook: +8.5% over ten years, much faster than average · about 8,600 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Kentucky
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $81,040 |
| Physical Therapists | $100,710 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $61,480 |
| Paramedics | $49,890 |
| Physician Assistants | $120,760 |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $60,980 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | $65,230 |
| Pharmacists | $136,530 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.