Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Elmhurst, IL: $46.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Elmhurst, IL runs $46.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,463 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Elmhurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,475 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elmhurst, Illinois, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $46.85 in 2026, which is slightly below the national average of $50.62. This rate sets a backdrop for part-time and per-diem physical therapists, who often work in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. For those choosing to work three days a week, the earnings are commendable, with entry-level physical therapists potentially making $36.46 per hour while seasoned professionals can earn up to $58.74 hourly. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting a robust opportunity for both new and experienced therapists looking to make a meaningful impact while maintaining flexible work hours.
About the Elmhurst 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) | $36.46 | $291.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.68 | $317.46 |
| Median (P50) | $46.85 | $374.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.99 | $431.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.74 | $469.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmhurst
Based on $46.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.85/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmhurst, IL can expect to earn approximately $97,458 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,226. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elmhurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmhurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,874.20 | $8,122 | $97,458 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,124.52 | $4,873 | $58,475 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $749.68 | $3,249 | $38,983 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Elmhurst) | $46.85 |
| 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 Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $97,463 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.43% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $103,026.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.85/hr = $58,475/year (purchasing power: $60,221).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,458/year (purchasing power: $100,369).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Elmhurst grew 14.9% from $39.80/hr (2019) to $45.73/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.01/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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst
For physical therapists in Elmhurst, part-time positions can yield significant returns; working just 24 hours a week translates to about $54,000 annually. Per diem physical therapist pay in Elmhurst tends to fall between $50 and $75 per hour, appealing to those who prefer a varied schedule. Contract work can be even more lucrative, with travel physical therapists earning between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, especially if they can navigate higher cash-pay rates in sports and orthopedic sectors. Rates can vary widely depending on the employer, with outpatient chains like Athletico often paying less than hospitals, albeit potentially supplemented by productivity bonuses. Many professionals weigh the decision to accept jobs with lower hourly rates that include benefits against those that offer higher hourly pay without health insurance. Negotiation strategies often hinge on understanding one's value in the marketplace, highlighting the importance of being well-informed about prevailing rates in the region.
More salary data for Elmhurst, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst. 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 Elmhurst 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