How much does a respiratory therapist make in Chicago?
$87,060a year
Median yearly pay for respiratory therapists in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area. That is $41.86 an hour or $7,255 a month.
- Hourly
- $41.86
- Vs. national median
- +6%
- Rank among cities
- 49 of 278
- Jobs in the area
- 3,620
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $74,560Median: $87,060Highest 10%: $100,100
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $74,560 | $35.85 | |
| 25th | $81,080 | $38.98 | |
| Median | $87,060 | $41.86 | |
| 75th | $96,830 | $46.55 | |
| 90th | $100,100 | $48.13 |
Other cities in Illinois
Median yearly pay for respiratory therapists.
| Kankakee, IL | $84,490 |
| St. Louis, MO | $79,210 |
| Springfield, IL | $78,340 |
| Peoria, IL | $77,660 |
| Rockford, IL | $77,640 |
| Paducah, KY | $76,100 |
| Bloomington, IL | $75,490 |
| Davenport, IA | $75,460 |
| Champaign, IL | $74,660 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $66,910 |
Related jobs in Chicago
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Radiologist | $479,900 |
| Cardiologist | $475,600 |
| Surgeon | $462,600 |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | $446,500 |
| Dermatologist | $435,800 |
| Physician | $336,700 |
| Ophthalmologist | $284,600 |
| Dentist | $269,200 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $265,900 |
| Psychiatrist | $258,800 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a respiratory therapist make an hour in Chicago?
The median hourly pay in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area is $41.86 ($87,060 a year).
Do respiratory therapists make more in Chicago than the national average?
Yes: $87,060 against $82,280 nationally, 6% more.
How does Chicago compare with the rest of Illinois?
The median in Illinois is $84,090, so Chicago pays 4% more.
Where does Chicago rank for respiratory therapist pay?
49 of 278 metro areas with data.
How much does a respiratory therapist make starting out in Chicago?
The lowest-paid 10% make $74,560 or less a year; the top 10% make $100,100 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.