Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Quincy, IL: $73,702 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Quincy, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,702 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,903 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,981) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a physical therapist in Quincy, Illinois, the starting salary can present an intriguing yet challenging prospect. New graduates entering the field can expect to earn approximately $73,702, a figure that sits significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $99,981. This apparent gap indicates that early-career professionals may initially face financial constraints as they build their experiences. However, there’s potential for growth within the first few years, as entry-level pay typically increases through increased skill and responsibility much quicker than the overall market salary, with the possibility of reaching the P25 figure of $85,511 within a few years. Given these numbers, Quincy remains a viable market for entry-level physical therapists in 2026, especially as the profession is expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.46%.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
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 Quincy
Entry-level physical therapists in Quincy, IL typically start between $73,702 and $85,511 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,516 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,981 — 5.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Illinois of $130,000 represents just 176.39% of the starting physical therapist pay ($73,702/year) in Quincy. 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 Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $73,702 to $85,511, 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 Quincy, 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 Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy'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 Quincy is $56,516 ( 76.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,702, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,218.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,926
2025 BLS Actual
$71,932
2026 Current Est.
$73,702
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,926 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,241 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,749 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,325 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,381 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,376 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,932 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,702 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,515 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, IL grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,926 in 2019 to $71,932 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,515. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
In Quincy, a variety of employers actively hire new graduates, making it essential for recent Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates to understand where the most opportunities lie. Outpatient orthopedic chains such as Athletico, Select Medical, and ATI are known for taking on newly graduated physical therapists, often offering structured productivity ramps. Meanwhile, local hospital systems typically provide residency programs that can lead to board certifications, boosting a new grad's credentials and starting pay. For those willing to explore skilled nursing facilities like Genesis or RehabCare, slightly higher starting salaries might be available. It’s crucial for new professionals to obtain their state PT license and consider additional credentials like a board specialization to elevate their entry-level physical therapist salary in Quincy. In the first couple of years, it’s realistic to anticipate a gradual increase in pay as experience is gained; however, the pressures on productivity from reimbursement cuts may influence job expectations significantly.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Quincy in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Quincy?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Quincy?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Quincy?
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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 Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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