Rockford vs Wheeling: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Rockford, IL and Wheeling, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Wheeling, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,833▲ | $100,574 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.92▲ | $48.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,818 | $80,283▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,440▲ | $86,744 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,292▲ | $119,648 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,954 | $131,895▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.
The salary gap between Rockford and Wheeling is $3,259 (3.24%). Rockford's median is -1.38% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $53,136,Wheeling spans $51,612. Rockford 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, Rockford ($112,673 effective) pays 8.78% more than Wheeling ($103,578 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,833/year)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,673)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,895)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Rockford grew 9.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.9% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$92,550 (2019) → $101,340 (2025)
Wheeling, IL
$90,995 (2024) → $98,159 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Wheeling, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Rockford or Wheeling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Wheeling?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Wheeling as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Rockford vs Wheeling?
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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