Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Cicero, IL: $75,660 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Cicero, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,660 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cicero's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,920 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,725) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected entry-level physical therapist salary in Cicero, Illinois, at around $75,660 for 2026, new graduates may need to recalibrate their expectations when entering the job market. This starting pay is notably lower than the overall median salary of $99,725 for physical therapists in the city, representing a significant gap that underscores the varied earnings potential in the field. However, the growth trajectory for entry-level practitioners is encouraging, with salaries expected to rise to approximately $83,467 at the 25th percentile within three to five years. Cicero’s competitive environment for new grads suggests that while starting pay might be lower relative to national averages, a growing demand for physical therapy may present ample opportunities for picking up valuable experience and advancing in this rewarding profession.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cicero
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
Entry-level physical therapists in Cicero, IL typically start between $75,660 and $83,467 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,710 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,725 — 5.28% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Illinois of $130,000 represents just 171.82% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,660/year) in Cicero. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Cicero
- 1Research the Cicero market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,660 to $83,467, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cicero, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Cicero for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cicero's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Cicero is $53,710 ( 70.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,660, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,370.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,465
2025 BLS Actual
$73,843
2026 Current Est.
$75,660
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,465 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,815 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,283 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,007 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,172 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,192 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,843 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,660 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,521 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Cicero, IL grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,465 in 2019 to $73,843 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,521. New graduates entering the Cicero job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Cicero
In Cicero, multiple employers actively recruit new graduates into the physical therapy field, offering a range of entry-level positions. Outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico often hire recent Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates and provide structured productivity ramps, making them ideal for those just starting their careers. On the other hand, hospital systems may offer residency programs that lead to board certification, enhancing credentials and likely boosting starting salaries. For those in skilled nursing, companies like Genesis and RehabCare may offer more competitive pay right from the outset. Graduates who hold a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTE, and acquire their state license are already on strong footing for their careers. Engaging in further specialization through optional residencies or fellowships can also enhance their early earnings. Navigating the demands of productivity models and understanding the evolving reimbursement landscape will be key for therapists to achieve realistic salary growth in their formative years within Cicero's market.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Cicero in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Cicero?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Cicero?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Cicero?
How do I become a physical therapist in Illinois?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Cicero. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cicero is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov