Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$65,670

trending_down -18.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kentucky.

engineering

2,860

Jobs (KY)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$350

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in Kentucky

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky, individuals must obtain a state license from the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care. Key steps include graduating from a CoARC-accredited program, passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submitting an application with a $150 fee. The license renews every two years, requiring 24 hours of continuing education, including a mandatory 1-hour medical ethics course. Kentucky offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet equivalent qualifications and hold an NBRC credential.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $52,060

25th percentile $60,660

50th (median) $65,670

75th percentile $75,690

90th (experienced) $81,110

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Kentucky. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Kentucky requirements

Licensing body	Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($200)
Application fee	$150
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	CE must include a 1-hour course on medical ethics. A temporary permit may be issued to graduates waiting to take the NBRC exam, valid for 6 months or until exam failure. Active duty military personnel and their spouses may have the application fee waived for initial licensure based on reciprocity. There is no specified minimum age requirement.

Source: Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+12.1%

Much faster than average

Annual openings

8,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

139,600

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.19/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleKentucky license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.1%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a respiratory therapist career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a respiratory therapist in Kentucky? expand_more

To become a respiratory therapist in Kentucky, you need to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submit your application ($150 fee).

Is a respiratory therapist license required in Kentucky? expand_more

Yes, Kentucky requires a state license to practice as a respiratory therapist. The licensing body is Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care. You must pass the NBRC CRT or RRT exam.

How much does a respiratory therapist make in Kentucky? expand_more

The median respiratory therapist salary in Kentucky is $65,670 per year. This trails the $80,450 national median by 18%. Wages range from $52,060 (10th percentile) up to $81,110 (90th percentile).

What's the total cost to get respiratory therapist certified in Kentucky? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($200) and application fee ($150). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How many months or years does respiratory therapist certification take in Kentucky? expand_more

In Kentucky, becoming a respiratory therapist generally takes 2-4 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What are the continuing education requirements for respiratory therapists in Kentucky? expand_more

To keep your license active, Kentucky mandates 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.