SalaryNode

Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Respiratory Therapists in Lexington-Fayette, KY earn an average annual salary of $69,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $84,540, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this region. While the nominal salary is lower, the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette is exactly at the national average, which provides important context for purchasing power.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $69,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,180.
  • Outlook: The respiratory therapist job market in Lexington-Fayette, KY, shows a healthy concentration, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.74, indicating a presence nearly double the national average. With a local workforce of 440 professionals and 1.539 jobs per 1,000 workers, demand appears robust and potentially growing, suggesting a stable environment for current and aspiring respiratory therapists.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$69,990

The average Respiratory Therapists in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-17.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$33.7

Weekly

$1,346

Monthly

$5,833

Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Salary progression for Respiratory Therapists in Lexington-Fayette, KY, typically correlates strongly with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or supervisory roles can expect significantly higher compensation. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects the career ladder and the increasing value placed on expertise and responsibility within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$57,650$27.7
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$52,493$25.2
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$67,930$32.7
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$87,488$42.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$81,180$39

Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$69,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$69,990

Adjusted for COL (100)

For Respiratory Therapists considering a move to Lexington-Fayette, KY, the average salary of $69,990 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary in Lexington-Fayette is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective compared to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

440

Total Jobs

1.539

Per 1K Jobs

1.74

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Lexington-Fayette, KY has 1.7x the national concentration of Respiratory Therapists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 1.74 for Respiratory Therapists in Lexington-Fayette, KY, signifies a strong regional specialization and demand for these professionals, as their presence is 74% higher than the national average. This concentration suggests a competitive market where employers may actively seek qualified candidates, potentially leading to more job opportunities but also requiring professionals to highlight their unique skills to stand out.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists

CitySalaryDist.
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary$60,050↓ 14%28 mi
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary$63,480↓ 9%28 mi
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary$61,800↓ 12%28 mi
East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Respiratory Therapists Salary$58,070↓ 17%28 mi
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Respiratory Therapists Salary$72,430↑ 3%72 mi

Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY

Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $69,990. This typically ranges from $57,650 for entry-level positions to $81,180 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 17.2% lower than the national median of $84,540.

Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Respiratory Therapists?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $69,990 is significantly lower than the national average of $84,540, indicating less lucrative earning potential in absolute terms.

Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Respiratory Therapists?

The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($60,050) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local job market compare to the national average for Respiratory Therapists?

Lexington-Fayette, KY, has a higher concentration of Respiratory Therapists than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.74, suggesting a stronger local demand relative to the national landscape.

What is the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette, KY for Respiratory Therapists?

The cost of living in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning that the purchasing power of a salary in this city is comparable to the national average.

How many Respiratory Therapists are there in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

There are approximately 440 Respiratory Therapists employed in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area.

Does experience impact Respiratory Therapist salaries in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Yes, like most professions, experience significantly influences salary. Entry-level positions will earn less, while senior or specialized Respiratory Therapists can command higher salaries, reflecting their accumulated expertise and responsibilities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 1.539 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Respiratory Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY