Physical Therapist Salary in Illinois
Based on 10K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$105,250
$50.60/hr
vs National Average
$101,618
+3.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$83K – $140K
10K employed in Illinois
Physical Therapist salary in Illinois averages $105,250 per year, positioning the state competitively in the national landscape. With approximately 9,800 physical therapists currently employed across Illinois, the profession represents a significant portion of the state's healthcare workforce. This median figure stands 4% above the national average, reflecting strong demand and compensation in the region.
Several factors influence Physical Therapist salary in Illinois, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and practice setting. Urban centers like Chicago typically offer higher compensation than rural areas, while therapists in orthopedic or sports medicine specializations often earn toward the upper end of the $83,000 to $140,410 range. Employment sector—whether in hospitals, private clinics, or rehabilitation facilities—also meaningfully impacts earning potential for practitioners in the state.
Salary Distribution — Physical Therapist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $83,000 |
| 25th percentile | $95,940 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $105,250 |
| 75th percentile | $122,920 |
| 90th percentile | $140,410 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physical Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physical Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physical Therapists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $120,530 | 30 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $111,030 | 4K |
| Finance and Insurance | $104,860 | 60 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $102,890 | 249K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $101,820 | 60 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physical Therapist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,310 |
| 2023 | $102,820 |
| 2024 | $103,380 |
| 2025 | $105,250 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,154 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,310 | $94,188 |
| 2023 | $102,820 | $97,485 |
| 2024 | $103,380 | $99,884 |
| 2025 | $105,250 | $101,618 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,154 | $103,456 |
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $95,940 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $105,250 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $122,920 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $140,410 |
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Physical Therapist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Physical Therapist ($105,250 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physical Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +392.0% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +316.2% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +172.5% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +145.8% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +132.9% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +97.6% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +86.9% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +59.0% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +48.3% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +38.4% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +33.7% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +32.1% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Illinois?
- Physical therapists in Illinois earn a median salary of $105,250 per year, or $51 per hour. This is 3.6% higher than the national average, making Illinois a competitive state for PT compensation.
What is the salary range for physical therapists in Illinois?
- Physical therapist salaries in Illinois range from $83,000 to $140,410 per year, depending on experience, specialization, and employer. This wide range reflects the variation in compensation across different settings and career stages.
How many physical therapists are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 9,800 physical therapists employed in Illinois, representing a substantial job market in the state.
Is Illinois above or below the national average for physical therapist salary?
- Yes, Illinois is above the national average with physical therapists earning 3.6% more than the national median. At $105,250 per year, the state offers competitive compensation compared to other states.