Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Buffalo Grove, IL: $48.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Buffalo Grove, IL runs $48.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,150 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Buffalo Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,687 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buffalo Grove, Illinois, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at $48.63, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $50.62. This rate is quite significant for those considering part-time work, as a physical therapist working three days a week can earn a substantial income while benefiting from a balanced lifestyle. The hourly range for physical therapists in the area spans from $39.28 for entry-level positions to $64.31 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diversity in settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health environments. Various practice settings influence earnings, and the data suggest that supplemental hours or per-diem shifts can boost financial prospects for those looking to maximize their time. The hourly trends in Buffalo Grove reflect broader industry patterns influenced by both compensation models and local market conditions.
About the Buffalo Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.28 | $314.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.29 | $338.28 |
| Median (P50) | $48.63 | $389.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.31 | $442.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.31 | $514.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo Grove
Based on $48.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.63/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $101,145 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,353. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Buffalo Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,945.10 | $8,429 | $101,145 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,167.06 | $5,057 | $60,687 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $778.04 | $3,372 | $40,458 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Buffalo Grove) | $48.63 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Buffalo Grove, IL earn a median of $101,150 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.93% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $103,004.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.63/hr = $60,687/year (purchasing power: $62,500).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,145/year (purchasing power: $104,166).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Buffalo Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Buffalo Grove grew 14.9% from $41.31/hr (2019) to $47.46/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.82/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buffalo Grove 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Buffalo Grove
Understanding the financial landscape for physical therapists in Buffalo Grove extends beyond just the hourly pay. A part-time therapist working 24 hours a week will find a difference in earnings compared to full-time colleagues, potentially bringing home $55,000 to $59,000 annually, depending on hours worked and employment benefits. Per diem physical therapist pay in Buffalo Grove typically ranges from $50 to $75 an hour, which can be enticing for those seeking flexibility. Additionally, travel contracts often offer salaries between $1,800 to $2,800 per week, along with stipends, making them a competitive option for experienced therapists. Different employers, from outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico to skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, often provide varying compensation, as some may offer health benefits while others focus on higher hourly rates without benefits. Therapists should weigh these options carefully and consider negotiating hourly rates based on their specialties or certifications, especially in a market where productivity demands and reimbursement rates are constantly evolving.
More salary data for Buffalo Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Buffalo Grove in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Buffalo Grove. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buffalo Grove 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