Healthcare Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Physical Therapist Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median physical therapist salary in Chicago, IL is $106,515 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$106,515
vs State Avg
+$11,727
vs National
+$8,795
Cost of Living
107%

Physical Therapist Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median physical therapist salary of $106,515, which is $11,727 above the Illinois state average of $94,788. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physical therapists in Chicago spans from $72,812 at the 10th percentile to $141,918 at the 90th percentile — a $69,106 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,120, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $139,520. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $74,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,120
+$6,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$106,820
+$8,820 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,520
+$11,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $72,812
25th Percentile $87,418
Median (50th) $106,515
75th Percentile $126,876
90th Percentile $141,918

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$107,492
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$94,788
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$85,016
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$82,085
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Chicago

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Chicago

Browse open physical therapist positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Chicago

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Chicago, Illinois is $106,515 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $72,812 (10th percentile) to $141,918 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $106,515, a physical therapist in Chicago earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Chicago's median physical therapist salary of $106,515 is 12.4% above the Illinois state average of $94,788. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $106,515 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Chicago? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Chicago require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.