Decatur vs Peoria: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Decatur, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,690▲ | $101,292 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.88▲ | $48.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,685▲ | $80,329 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,036▲ | $100,001 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,262▲ | $120,227 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,262▲ | $138,751 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Decatur, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Decatur and Peoria is $27,398 (27.05%). Decatur's median is +22.23% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $63,577,Peoria spans $58,422. Decatur 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, Decatur ($145,541 effective) pays 31.08% more than Peoria ($111,028 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,690/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,262)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,541)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Decatur grew 43.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Decatur, IL
$87,660 (2019) → $125,600 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$86,180 (2019) → $98,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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