Park Ridge vs Springfield: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Park Ridge, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Park Ridge, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,062 | $118,843▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.62 | $57.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,690 | $83,023▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,816 | $104,233▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,286 | $129,899▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,253 | $151,016▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Park Ridge.
The salary gap between Park Ridge and Springfield is $19,781 (19.97%). Springfield's median is +12.87% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Park Ridge spans $47,563,Springfield spans $67,993. Springfield 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, Springfield ($128,140 effective) pays 25.60% more than Park Ridge ($102,021 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Park Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,843/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,016)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,140)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Park Ridge grew 7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.0% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Park Ridge, IL
$89,627 (2024) → $96,684 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$84,040 (2019) → $115,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Park Ridge, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Park Ridge or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Park Ridge and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Park Ridge to Springfield as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Park Ridge vs Springfield?
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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