Chicago vs Tinley Park: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Chicago, IL and Tinley Park, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Tinley Park, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,321▲ | $101,725 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.08▲ | $48.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,316▲ | $79,951 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,534▲ | $87,534 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,764▲ | $121,693 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,821▲ | $135,952 |
| Total Employed | 7,880▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tinley Park.
The salary gap between Chicago and Tinley Park is $6,596 (6.48%). 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,Tinley Park spans $56,001. 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, Tinley Park ($104,763 effective) pays 0.19% 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 Tinley Park if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,763)
- ✓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 7.9% growth in Tinley Park over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$93,450 (2019) → $105,720 (2025)
Tinley Park, IL
$92,037 (2024) → $99,283 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Tinley Park, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Chicago or Tinley Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Tinley Park?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Tinley Park as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Chicago vs Tinley Park?
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