Hire Respiratory Therapists in Illinois
Illinois has 7,500 licensed respiratory therapists — ranking #7 nationally. Median salary: $81k. Healthcare jobs growing 5%.
Illinois ranks #7 of 51 states for respiratory therapists with 7,500 providers (195 per 100K residents, 376% above the national average of 41). Chicago leads with 945 providers. Average time-to-fill: ~35 days. Sign-on bonuses avg $15,000.
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Respiratory Therapists Salary & Compensation in Illinois
To recruit mid-career respiratory therapists in Illinois, target offers at $85,008+. Sign-on bonuses averaging $15,000 can help close competitive candidates. (Source: BLS OOH)
Respiratory Therapists Supply by City in Illinois
| City | Providers | Per 100K | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 945 | 35 | 2,700,000 |
| Aurora | 70 | 35 | 200,000 |
| Joliet | 53 | 35 | 150,000 |
| Naperville | 52 | 35 | 148,000 |
| Rockford | 51 | 35 | 145,000 |
| Springfield | 40 | 35 | 114,000 |
| Peoria | 39 | 35 | 112,000 |
| Elgin | 39 | 35 | 110,000 |
| Waukegan | 30 | 34 | 87,000 |
| Cicero | 29 | 35 | 84,000 |
10 cities in Illinois have respiratory therapists data. National average: 41 per 100K residents.
Illinois Recruiting Market Overview
Illinois ranks #7 of 51 states for respiratory therapists with 7,500 providers (195 per 100K residents, 376% above the national average of 41). Chicago leads with 945 providers.
Illinois is not a compact state — individual licensure required. NPs require physician collaboration agreements.
With 18.2% annual turnover, Illinois sees approximately 1,365 respiratory therapists position changes per year. Top retention factors: work-life balance (85%), competitive salary (82%), and supportive management (78%).
Average time-to-fill is ~35 days. Recruiters should factor in 60-120 days for hospital credentialing and 90-180 days for insurance paneling.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Hiring Respiratory Therapists in Illinois
How many respiratory therapists are in Illinois?
Illinois has 7,500 licensed respiratory therapists, ranking #7 nationally with 195 per 100K residents. Source: CMS NPPES NPI Registry.
What is the salary for respiratory therapists in Illinois?
The national median is $80,960. Entry-level: $55,000, Senior: $88,000. Sign-on bonuses averaging $15,000 are common for hard-to-fill roles. Source: BLS 2024.
Is Illinois a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
No, Illinois requires individual state licensure. The compact includes 42 member states.
Which cities in Illinois have the most respiratory therapists?
Top cities: Chicago (945), Aurora (70), Joliet (53). Chicago has 35 per 100K residents.
What is the turnover rate for respiratory therapists in Illinois?
Annual turnover averages 18.2%. Top exit reasons: burnout (35%), better pay (28%). Proactive retention programs reduce turnover 25-40%.
How long does recruiting respiratory therapists take?
Average time-to-fill is ~35 days (low competition). Hospital credentialing adds 60-120 days. Start the process early to avoid staffing gaps.
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