Salary Levels by Experience
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Est. Annual Net |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level RT | $50,000–$58,000 | ~$42,754 |
| Staff RT | $58,000–$68,000 | ~$49,540 |
| Senior / Specialty RT | $67,000–$78,000 | ~$55,801 |
| Lead / Supervisor | $76,000–$94,000 | ~$63,976 |
Tax Breakdown at $62,000 (Bi-Weekly)
| Component | Per Paycheck | Annual | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Pay | $2,384.62 | $62,000 | 100% |
| Federal Income Tax | −$207.77 | −$5,402 | 8.7% |
| IL State Income Tax | −$118.04 | −$3,069 | 5.0% |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | −$182.42 | −$4,743 | 7.6% |
| Net Take-Home | $1,876 | ~$48,786 | 78.7% |
What Drives Respiratory Therapist Pay in Chicago
Respiratory therapists in New York City manage ventilators, administer inhaled medications, and support patients with chronic and acute pulmonary conditions in some of the nation's busiest ICUs and emergency departments. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically elevated the visibility and bargaining power of respiratory therapists in NYC, and salaries have risen meaningfully as a result.
NYC's high union density — many respiratory therapists work under 1199SEIU or DC37 contracts — provides above-average base pay and benefits compared to non-union markets. Neonatal and pediatric respiratory therapy specializations command the highest premiums in the city. Per-diem shifts at multiple facilities can allow experienced RTs to earn well above the staff median.
- Union membership and contract tier
- Neonatal or pediatric specialty certification
- Per-diem shift availability
- Night, weekend, and holiday differential pay
Top Chicago Employers
Major employers hiring respiratory therapists in Chicago include: Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, AMITA Health.
Tax note: A respiratory therapist earning $78,000 in NYC will pay approximately $20,000–$23,000 in combined federal, state, and city income taxes, netting roughly $55,000–$58,000 in take-home pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
A respiratory therapist earning $62,000 in Chicago takes home approximately $48,786 per year, or $1,876 per bi-weekly paycheck, after all taxes. The effective tax rate is 21.3%.
Chicago respiratory therapist salaries range from $50,000–$58,000 at entry level to $76,000–$94,000 for senior professionals. The median mid-career salary is approximately $62,000.
Most Chicago hospital employers require or strongly prefer the RRT credential over the CRT; the RRT is awarded by the NBRC to candidates who pass two advanced exams and is considered the professional standard for hospital-based respiratory therapists.
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