Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Crystal Lake, IL: $47.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Crystal Lake, IL runs $47.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,111 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Crystal Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,871 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Crystal Lake, Illinois, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $47.17 in 2026, which puts it slightly below the national hourly median of $50.62. This rate reflects a broad range of opportunities within typical practice settings, from outpatient clinics and hospitals to home health environments and sports performance centers. For physical therapists working part-time, such as those who opt for shifts three days a week, the hourly pay translates into a solid income potential, while per-diem roles can provide flexible work schedules that appeal to many professionals. Entry-level positions might start at $37.20, while experienced therapists can earn as much as $61.39 per hour, offering various paths depending on expertise, specialization, and employment setting.
About the Crystal Lake 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) | $37.20 | $297.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.32 | $322.54 |
| Median (P50) | $47.17 | $377.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.72 | $445.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.39 | $491.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Crystal Lake
Based on $47.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.17/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Crystal Lake, IL can expect to earn approximately $98,119 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,607. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Crystal Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Crystal Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,886.90 | $8,177 | $98,119 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,132.14 | $4,906 | $58,871 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $754.76 | $3,271 | $39,248 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Crystal Lake) | $47.17 |
| 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 Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $98,111 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.82% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $103,057.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.17/hr = $58,871/year (purchasing power: $60,630).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,119/year (purchasing power: $101,049).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Crystal Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Crystal Lake grew 14.9% from $40.07/hr (2019) to $46.04/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.33/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 Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake
Considering part-time work, a physical therapist clocking in at 24 hours a week could expect an annual income significantly lower than that of a full-time colleague, as the latter works a total of around 40 hours weekly. For per-diem physical therapists in Crystal Lake, billing rates often range from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel PTs can command weekly pay between $1,800 and $2,800, inclusive of stipends. Moreover, those carving out a niche in high-cost-of-living areas or specialized fields may even see cash-pay rates of $150 to $250 per hour. Hourly compensation can vary notably across different employer types—such as outpatient orthopedic groups versus hospital systems—where the former may offer lower base rates but potential productivity bonuses. Many physical therapists opt for jobs that provide essential health benefits, even if it means accepting a lower hourly rate. When negotiating pay, it's crucial for practitioners to understand local pay standards and leverage their skill sets effectively to optimize compensation whether they are full-time employees or working on a per diem basis.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Crystal Lake in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Crystal Lake?
Are physical therapists in Crystal Lake paid hourly or salary?
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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 Crystal Lake. 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 Crystal Lake 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