Kentucky ranks 47th of 51 states and D.C. for respiratory therapists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($104,240) by $38,570 — a 59% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $52,060 to $81,110 — a $29,050 spread, 38% tighter than the national $46,920 range.
Respiratory Therapists are more concentrated in Kentucky than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.62 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.62× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $52,060 | $25.03 |
| 25th percentile | $60,660 | $29.16 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $65,670 | $31.57 |
| 75th percentile | $75,690 | $36.39 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $81,110 | $39.00 |
| Mean (average) | $67,650 | $32.53 |
How Kentucky Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | $65,670 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $104,240 | +59% |
| New York | $103,820 | +58% |
| California | $102,120 | +56% |
| New Jersey | $98,020 | +49% |
| Washington | $97,150 | +48% |
| Massachusetts | $96,940 | +48% |
| Oregon | $96,130 | +46% |
| Hawaii | $94,670 | +44% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Kentucky
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $65,440 | 4,280 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $66,190 | 400 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $66,250 | 1,260 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $64,950 | 10,680 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $64,840 | 1,900 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $64,840 | 3,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Respiratory Therapists salary in Kentucky?
The mean respiratory therapists salary in Kentucky is $67,650 per year. The median (middle) salary is $65,670 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Kentucky?
Entry-level respiratory therapistss (10th percentile) in Kentucky typically earn around $52,060 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $60,660 per year.
What is the highest Respiratory Therapists salary in Kentucky?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Kentucky make approximately $81,110 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $75,690 per year.
How does the Kentucky Respiratory Therapists salary compare to the national average?
The median respiratory therapists salary in Kentucky is $65,670, which is -18% below national average of $80,450.