Healthcare Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median respiratory therapist salary in Chicago, IL is $76,889 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$76,889
vs State Avg
+$8,465
vs National
+$6,349
Cost of Living
107%

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $54,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,550 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,500
+$4,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,480
+$6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,550
+$8,550 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $52,320
25th Percentile $62,130
Median (50th) $76,889
75th Percentile $93,740
90th Percentile $107,910

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$77,594
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$68,424
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$61,370
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$59,254
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Chicago

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Chicago

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Chicago

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Chicago, Illinois is $76,889 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $52,320 (10th percentile) to $107,910 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,889, a respiratory therapist in Chicago earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Chicago's median respiratory therapist salary of $76,889 is 12.4% above the Illinois state average of $68,424. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $76,889 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Chicago? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Chicago require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.