Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Oak Lawn, IL: $48.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Oak Lawn, IL runs $48.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,395 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Oak Lawn's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,240 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist hourly pay in Oak Lawn, Illinois, stands at $48.27, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate reflects the professional's earning potential in various settings, including outpatient clinic gyms, hospital inpatient rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and during home health visits. For part-time physical therapists working three days a week, or for those considering per-diem positions, this hourly wage can yield significant income depending on their work schedule and patient volume. With hourly compensation ranging from $36.93 at entry-level positions to $63.25 for top earners, there is a broad spectrum of opportunities available for practitioners at different stages in their careers. The figures provided are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, detailing the financial landscape of this vital profession in Oak Lawn.
About the Oak Lawn 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) | $36.93 | $295.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.72 | $317.79 |
| Median (P50) | $48.27 | $386.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.99 | $455.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.25 | $505.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Lawn
Based on $48.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.27/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Lawn, IL can expect to earn approximately $100,399 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,923. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Lawn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Lawn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,930.76 | $8,367 | $100,399 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,158.45 | $5,020 | $60,240 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $772.30 | $3,347 | $40,160 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Oak Lawn) | $48.27 |
| 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 Oak Lawn, IL earn a median of $100,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.65% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $103,075.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.27/hr = $60,240/year (purchasing power: $62,039).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,399/year (purchasing power: $103,398).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Oak Lawn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Oak Lawn grew 14.9% from $41.00/hr (2019) to $47.11/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.46/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 Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn
Examining the earning potential of a part-time physical therapist in Oak Lawn reveals nuances not seen in full-time roles. For instance, a professional working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $50,500 annually, which is competitive but significantly less than what full-time counterparts accrue. Those pursuing per-diem opportunities often earn between $50 and $75 an hour, depending on the employer and region, allowing for flexible work arrangements. Travel contracts also provide lucrative pay, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, sometimes including housing stipends. However, hourly rates can differ greatly across various types of employers; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower hourly wages compared to hospital settings but often include productivity bonuses. This leads many physical therapists to weigh the options of higher pay against the benefits of employer-sponsored health insurance. Negotiating effectively regarding hourly pay involves understanding local market rates, highlighting specialized skills, and recognizing the employer's needs, which can bolster one's position during discussions.
More salary data for Oak Lawn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Oak Lawn in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Oak Lawn?
Are physical therapists in Oak Lawn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Oak Lawn?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Lawn?
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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 Oak Lawn. 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 Oak Lawn 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