Respiratory Therapist salary in Illinois
A strong career option in Illinois — with programs that take 2 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$84,090/ yr
$7,008 / mo · $40.43 / hr
↑ $1,810 above the national median ($82,280)
Pay by experience
Entry
$64,480
Median
$84,090
Experienced
$100,110
Demand
High
Program length
2 to 4 years
Projected growth
+12.1%
Annual openings
8,800
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How Illinois compares to the national wage trend
Illinois median
$84,090
2025 national
$82,280
2024 national
$80,450
↑ +2.3% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+12.1% projected growth through 2034
8,800 average annual openings nationwide for Respiratory Therapists.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$13,148
- Time to complete2 to 4 years
- Credential earnedAssociate Degree
What you get back
- Starting salary$64,480
- Median salary$84,090
- Experienced salary$100,110
At an entry wage of $64,480, most Respiratory Therapists break even on the $13,148 training investment in about 3 months of work.
How to become a Respiratory Therapist in Illinois
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Respiratory Therapist program in Illinois
Browse certified training programs. Most Respiratory Therapist tracks complete in 2 to 4 years and average $13,148 in tuition.
Earn your Associate Degree
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Associate Degree in Illinois.
Get hired in Illinois
With roughly 8,800 Respiratory Therapist openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Illinois.
People also explored
Other careers our users compared
Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Respiratory Therapist in Illinois is $84,090 per year, which is $40.43 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $64,480 while experienced Respiratory Therapists can earn up to $100,110 annually.
Next step
Find Respiratory Therapist Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Respiratory Therapist classes in your area.