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Respiratory Therapist Licensing in Kentucky

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for respiratory therapist in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Respiratory Care

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $65,670 median (18% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #46 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Respiratory Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Commonwealth of Kentucky~Board of Respiratory Care and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $65,670, Respiratory Therapists in Kentucky earn 18% below the national median of $80,450. Kentucky ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$65,670

Hourly estimate

$31.57
18% below national median

Difference: -$14,780

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$52,060
  • P2525th percentile$60,660
  • P50Median$65,670
  • P7575th percentile$75,690
  • P9090th percentile$81,110

State vs National Median

State: $65,670
National: $80,450

Total employment: 2,860 | Annual openings: N/A

Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranking

#46 of 50 statesfor Respiratory Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$103,820
#2California$102,120
#3New Jersey$98,020
#4Washington$97,150
#5Massachusetts$96,940

Nearby States Comparison

Respiratory Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$65,670Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$77,820Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$78,400Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
West Virginia$66,370Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$79,600Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$65,000Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$73,880Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$81,310Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Indiana68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Ohio68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
West Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Respiratory Care

2365 Harrodsburg Rd., B350, Lexington, KY, 40504-3386

Phone: 8592462747

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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Athletic Trainer$51,550Degree requiredVaries by board
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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Respiratory Therapists in Kentucky?

Kentucky lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Respiratory Therapists.

What education do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky?

The board typically expects Degree required for Respiratory Therapist licensure in Kentucky.

What is the typical Respiratory Therapist salary in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Kentucky is $65,670. Salaries range from $52,060 (10th percentile) to $81,110 (90th percentile).

How does the Respiratory Therapist salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?

Respiratory Therapists in Kentucky earn 18% below the national median of $80,450, with a state median of $65,670.

How many Respiratory Therapists work in Kentucky?

Kentucky employs approximately 2,860 Respiratory Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Kentucky from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Respiratory Therapists in Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Respiratory Care. Review agency details at https://kbrc.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

How often do you renew a Respiratory Therapist license in Kentucky?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.