HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Respiratory Therapist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$121,760/yr
Typical range: $114,111 – $134,469
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Respiratory Therapist salary by experience level in Chicago
Respiratory Therapist Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $66,588 | $5,549 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $81,808 | $6,817 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $90,686 | $7,557 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $100,452 | $8,371 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $121,760 | $10,147 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $140,024 | $11,669 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $144,590 | $12,049 | +117% |
Current Salary
$121,760
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $59/hr
Next Level Target
$140,024
Principal · 14
+$18Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
54/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Respiratory Therapist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Respiratory Therapists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $122K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $122K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $59/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Respiratory Therapist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Respiratory Therapist in Chicago, IL earns $114K–$134K/yr.