Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Northbrook, IL: $48.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Northbrook, IL runs $48.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,621 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Northbrook's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,968 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northbrook, Illinois, physical therapists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $48.85, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This pay rate is significant for both part-time therapists and those working in per-diem positions. In typical settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and home health care services, a physical therapist working three days a week could create a balanced income while providing essential care. The hourly pay range in the area stretches from $37.29 for entry-level positions to $62.05 for seasoned professionals, which reflects the wider variability in rates based on experience and workplace setting.
About the Northbrook 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) | $37.29 | $298.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.87 | $326.97 |
| Median (P50) | $48.85 | $390.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.90 | $455.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.05 | $496.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northbrook
Based on $48.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.85/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northbrook, IL can expect to earn approximately $101,614 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,624. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Northbrook.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northbrook
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,954.12 | $8,468 | $101,614 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,172.47 | $5,081 | $60,968 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $781.65 | $3,387 | $40,646 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Northbrook) | $48.85 |
| 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 Northbrook, IL earn a median of $101,621 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.48% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $103,064.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.85/hr = $60,968/year (purchasing power: $62,789).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,614/year (purchasing power: $104,649).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Northbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Northbrook grew 14.9% from $41.50/hr (2019) to $47.68/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.05/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 Northbrook 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 Northbrook
Considering part-time work as a physical therapist in Northbrook, those who operate on a three-day workweek can anticipate annual earnings that differ substantially from their full-time counterparts. For instance, a therapist working 24 hours per week at the median rate would take home approximately $57,424 annually. Furthermore, per diem physical therapists often earn between $50-$75 per hour, making this model appealing for those looking for flexibility without a long-term commitment. Interestingly, travel PT contracts can secure earnings between $1,800-$2,800 weekly, offering lucrative options alongside traditional care settings such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics. It’s important to remember that factors like employer type greatly influence hourly rates in Northbrook, with some organizations offering benefits like health insurance that may come at the cost of lower hourly pay. Therapists should strategically negotiate their rates based on their needs and the local market conditions, ensuring they understand the balance between hourly wage and additional benefits that may influence overall compensation.
More salary data for Northbrook, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Northbrook 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 Northbrook. 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 Northbrook 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