Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $52.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Chicago, IL runs $52.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,321 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,996 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Chicago, Illinois, will see a median hourly pay of $52.08, which exceeds the national average of $50.62. This competitive hourly wage opens the door for part-time positions and per-diem work, making it an attractive option for professionals seeking flexibility. Typically, physical therapists working three days a week could find themselves in a variety of settings such as outpatient clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and sports performance centers. For those at the lower end of the pay scale, hourly rates start at $41.98, while top earners can reach $70.10 per hour, presenting a wide range of opportunities for both entry-level and seasoned therapists. These insights are based on data from the 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected to 2026.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.98 | $335.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.33 | $386.64 |
| Median (P50) | $52.08 | $416.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.94 | $487.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.10 | $560.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $52.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.08/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $108,327 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,497. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,083.22 | $9,027 | $108,327 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,249.93 | $5,416 | $64,996 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $833.29 | $3,611 | $43,331 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Chicago) | $52.08 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $108,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.88% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 5.10% above the Illinois state average of $103,064.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.08/hr = $64,996/year (purchasing power: $62,741).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,327/year (purchasing power: $104,568).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Chicago grew 13.1% from $44.93/hr (2019) to $50.83/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.36/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
For physical therapists considering part-time opportunities, the potential take-home pay could be significant. A therapist working three days a week, for a total of 24 hours, would see an annual income that reflects a solid portion of a full-time salary while enjoying the flexibility of a less demanding schedule. Conversely, per-diem positions or contracts with travel PT agencies offer opportunities to bill anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, further enhancing earning potential with the possibility of additional stipends for relocations. Different settings have their unique pay scales; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics might provide lesser hourly rates compared to hospital systems that often include benefits. The pay dynamic can shift considerably based on employer type, with specialists in cash-pay settings sometimes charging $150-$250 per hour. Negotiating hourly rates can be essential; therapists may barter for higher pay in exchange for relinquished benefits or seek contracts that meet their individual needs in the competitive Chicago job market. Understanding these factors can significantly impact earning strategies for physical therapists in this vibrant city.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Chicago in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Chicago?
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How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Chicago?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Chicago?
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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 Chicago. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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