Respiratory Therapist Salary in Illinois
Based on 5K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$84,090
$40.43/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
+0.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $100K
5K employed in Illinois
Respiratory therapists in Illinois earn a median salary of $84,090 per year, which aligns with the national average. The state currently employs approximately 4,880 respiratory therapists across various healthcare settings. Salaries in this field typically range from $64,480 to $100,100 annually, reflecting differences in experience and work environment.
Several factors influence respiratory therapist salary in Illinois, including years of clinical experience, employer type, and specialization within the field. Work setting plays a significant role, as therapists in hospitals often earn differently than those in clinics or home care. Additional certifications, advanced credentials, and geographic location within the state can also impact earning potential for these essential healthcare professionals.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,480 |
| 25th percentile | $77,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $84,090 |
| 75th percentile | $96,260 |
| 90th percentile | $100,100 |
Top-Paying Industries for Respiratory Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Respiratory Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Respiratory Therapists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $138,620 | 50 |
| Educational Services | $97,360 | 800 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $82,630 | 129K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $81,120 | 200 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $80,250 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Respiratory Therapist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,320 |
| 2023 | $78,980 |
| 2024 | $81,310 |
| 2025 | $84,090 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,965 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,320 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $78,980 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $81,310 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $84,090 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,965 | $86,750 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $84,090 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $96,260 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,100 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Respiratory Therapist ($84,090 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +515.8% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +420.9% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +241.1% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +207.7% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +191.5% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +147.4% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +134.0% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +99.1% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +85.6% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +73.2% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +67.3% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +65.4% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do respiratory therapists make in Illinois?
- Respiratory therapists in Illinois earn a median salary of $84,090 per year, or approximately $40 per hour. This is slightly above the national average, representing a 0.2% premium over what respiratory therapists earn nationally.
What is the salary range for respiratory therapists in Illinois?
- Respiratory therapist salaries in Illinois range from $64,480 at the lower end to $100,100 at the higher end. This wide range typically reflects differences in experience, education, certifications, and employer type.
How many respiratory therapists are employed in Illinois?
- There are currently 4,880 respiratory therapists employed in Illinois. This represents a substantial workforce within the state's healthcare system.
Are respiratory therapist salaries in Illinois higher than the national average?
- Yes, Illinois respiratory therapist salaries are slightly higher than the national average, with Illinois offering a 0.2% premium. The median salary of $84,090 in Illinois outpaces the national median, making it a competitive market for this profession.