Chicago vs Rock Island: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Chicago, IL and Rock Island, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Rock Island, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,321▲ | $102,055 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.08▲ | $49.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,316▲ | $75,485 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,534▲ | $89,743 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,764▲ | $117,126 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,821▲ | $126,678 |
| Total Employed | 7,880▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rock Island.
The salary gap between Chicago and Rock Island is $6,266 (6.14%). Chicago's median is +2.88% 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,Rock Island spans $51,193. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rock Island ($105,103 effective) pays 0.52% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,321/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,821)
- ✓Larger job market (7,880 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rock Island if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,103)
- ✓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 9.9% growth in Rock Island over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$93,450 (2019) → $105,720 (2025)
Rock Island, IL
$90,597 (2024) → $99,605 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Rock Island, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Chicago or Rock Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Rock Island?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Rock Island as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Chicago vs Rock Island?
Related Comparisons
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