Chicago vs Naperville: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Chicago, IL and Naperville, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Naperville, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,321 | $109,452▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.08 | $52.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,316▲ | $78,334 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,534▲ | $88,458 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,764 | $127,432▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,821 | $151,848▲ |
| Total Employed | 7,880▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Naperville, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chicago.
The salary gap between Chicago and Naperville is $1,131 (1.04%). Naperville's median is +3.95% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $58,505,Naperville spans $73,514. Naperville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Naperville ($112,721 effective) pays 7.80% more than Chicago ($104,562 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Larger job market (7,880 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,452/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,848)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,721)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Chicago grew 13.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.3% growth in Naperville over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$93,450 (2019) → $105,720 (2025)
Naperville, IL
$95,131 (2024) → $106,824 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Chicago or Naperville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Naperville?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Naperville as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Chicago vs Naperville?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov