Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rockford, IL: $59,254 (2026)

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $59,254, which is $9,170 below the Illinois state average of $68,424. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $59,254 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $72,261 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Rockford spans from $40,320 at the 10th percentile to $83,160 at the 90th percentile — a $42,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,800. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,000

$-8,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$60,480

$-11,520 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$79,800

$-15,200 vs national

Percentile	Rockford	IL State	National
10th Percentile	$40,320	$46,560	$48,000
25th Percentile	$47,880	$55,290	$57,000
Median (50th)	$59,254	$68,424	$70,540
75th Percentile	$72,240	$83,420	$86,000
90th Percentile	$83,160	$96,030	$99,000

Percentile

Rockford

10th Percentile

$40,320

25th Percentile

$47,880

Median (50th)

$59,254

75th Percentile

$72,240

90th Percentile

$83,160

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Rockford

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Rockford 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 Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rockford

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Rockford, IL? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Rockford, Illinois is $59,254 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $83,160 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Rockford? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $59,254, a respiratory therapist in Rockford earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Rockford's median respiratory therapist salary of $59,254 is 13.4% below the Illinois state average of $68,424. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼

Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $59,254 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Rockford? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Rockford 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.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rockford, Illinois