Des Plaines vs Peoria: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Des Plaines, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,603 | $101,292▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.89 | $48.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,376 | $80,329▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,042 | $100,001▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,668 | $120,227▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,973 | $138,751▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Plaines.
The salary gap between Des Plaines and Peoria is $1,689 (1.70%). Peoria's median is -3.80% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Plaines spans $53,597,Peoria spans $58,422. Peoria 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, Peoria ($111,028 effective) pays 8.24% more than Des Plaines ($102,578 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Plaines if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,292/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,751)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,028)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Des Plaines grew 7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Des Plaines, IL
$90,117 (2024) → $97,212 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$86,180 (2019) → $98,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Plaines, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Des Plaines or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Plaines and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Des Plaines to Peoria as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Des Plaines vs Peoria?
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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