Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Collinsville, IL: $75,543 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Collinsville, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,543 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Collinsville's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,799 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,749) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected entry-level physical therapist salary in Collinsville of $75,543 in 2026, new graduates can expect to start on the lower spectrum of salary expectations compared to the city's median salary of $100,749. While there's a clear gap, the growth trajectory for early-career therapists is promising; moving from the P10 salary to the P25 at $83,212 is typical within the first few years of practice. Given that Collinsville's healthcare market is relatively stable, this city presents a viable opportunity for new graduates seeking their first roles. The city's cost of living index at 97.1 indicates that living expenses remain manageable, making Collinsville a supportive environment for recent DPT graduates.
About the Collinsville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Collinsville
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 Collinsville
Entry-level physical therapists in Collinsville, IL typically start between $75,543 and $83,212 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,968 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,749 — 4.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Illinois of $130,000 represents just 172.09% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,543/year) in Collinsville. 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 Collinsville
- 1Research the Collinsville market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,543 to $83,212, 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 Collinsville, 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 Collinsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Collinsville'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 Collinsville is $50,968 ( 67.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,543, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,511.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,373
2025 BLS Actual
$73,729
2026 Current Est.
$75,543
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Collinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,373 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,721 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,192 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,907 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,065 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,034 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,729 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,543 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,401 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Collinsville, IL grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,373 in 2019 to $73,729 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,401. New graduates entering the Collinsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collinsville 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 Collinsville
New graduates looking to maximize their entry-level pay in Collinsville should target employers that commonly hire fresh DPT graduates, such as outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico, which typically have structured productivity expectations. Hospital systems can be attractive as they often provide residency programs that lead to board certification, enhancing earning potential. Similarly, skilled nursing facility rehab companies like Genesis and RehabCare may offer competitive starting salaries. Obtaining a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and securing a state PT license are essential steps for new grads. To further elevate their marketability, pursuing residency or fellowship opportunities for board specializations such as OCS or SCS, as well as maintaining APTA membership, can be beneficial. Without restating previous salary figures, graduates can anticipate salary growth as they gain experience over their initial years in practice, preparing them for a trajectory of increased compensation as they establish themselves in the field.
More salary data for Collinsville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Collinsville in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Collinsville?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Collinsville?
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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 Collinsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Collinsville 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