Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Cicero, IL: $47.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Cicero, IL runs $47.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,725 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Cicero's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,830 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Cicero, Illinois presents physical therapists with an hourly rate of $47.94, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $50.62. This pay is critical for both part-time workers and per-diem professionals who often find opportunities in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and various other healthcare settings within the community. For those working three days a week, this translates to a standard schedule, allowing for flexibility while still earning above the minimum wage. Entry-level physical therapists can expect to earn around $36.37 per hour, while seasoned professionals may reach up to $62.19, providing a pathway for growth as they gain experience and potentially acquire specializations.
About the Cicero 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) | $36.37 | $290.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.12 | $320.99 |
| Median (P50) | $47.94 | $383.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.23 | $449.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.19 | $497.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cicero
Based on $47.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.94/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cicero, IL can expect to earn approximately $99,717 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,529. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cicero.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cicero
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,917.64 | $8,310 | $99,717 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,150.58 | $4,986 | $59,830 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $767.06 | $3,324 | $39,887 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Cicero) | $47.94 |
| 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 Cicero, IL earn a median of $99,725 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.28% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $103,022.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.94/hr = $59,830/year (purchasing power: $61,617).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,717/year (purchasing power: $102,696).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Cicero grew 14.9% from $40.72/hr (2019) to $46.79/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.12/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Cicero
The earnings landscape for part-time physical therapists in Cicero can be significant, especially when considering a schedule of 24 hours a week. This arrangement can yield an annual income that varies greatly compared to full-time positions, which typically see a consistent flow of clients. For per diem physical therapists, common pay rates can range from $50 to $75 per hour, with travel contracts offering lucrative weekly rates of $1,800 to $2,800, along with additional stipends. Hourly rates often differ based on the work setting; for example, outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower hourly rates compared to home health agencies or pediatric clinics that may attract a different demographic of clients. Many practitioners find themselves weighing the pros and cons of accepting lower-paying positions with comprehensive benefits versus pursuing higher hourly fees without health coverage. Negotiating hourly pay effectively can be vital in this market; focusing on specialized skills or additional certifications can help enhance one’s value in an environment where reimbursement pressures are influencing pay structures.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Cicero. 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 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