Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Peoria, IL: $48.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Peoria, IL runs $48.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,292 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Peoria's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.2, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,777 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Peoria, Illinois, the 2026 median hourly pay for physical therapists is projected at $48.70, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate offers various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in common settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and home health visits. With entry-level positions starting around $38.62, and top earners reaching up to $66.71, the range reflects the diverse skills and experiences found in the profession. These hourly figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlight not just the financial aspects but the flexibility of roles available to physical therapists in Peoria, making it a relevant option for those seeking different work arrangements across various environments.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.62 | $308.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.07 | $384.59 |
| Median (P50) | $48.70 | $389.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.81 | $462.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.71 | $533.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Peoria
Based on $48.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.70/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Peoria, IL can expect to earn approximately $101,294 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,439. With a cost-of-living index of 91.23 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Peoria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Peoria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,947.97 | $8,441 | $101,294 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,168.78 | $5,065 | $60,777 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $779.19 | $3,376 | $40,518 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Peoria) | $48.70 |
| 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 Peoria, IL earn a median of $101,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.80% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $103,044.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.70/hr = $60,777/year (purchasing power: $66,618).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,294/year (purchasing power: $111,031).
CoL index: 91.231 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Peoria grew 14.7% from $41.43/hr (2019) to $47.53/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.90/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 Peoria 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 Peoria
Considering part-time positions, a physical therapist working three days a week would make a solid annual income, even if less than their full-time counterparts. Those opting for per-diem roles have the potential to earn between $50 and $75 per hour, providing flexibility but often with less job security. Travel contracts can yield substantial weekly earnings, often ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially for roles demanding specialized skills. Hourly variations are noticeable across employer types in Peoria; outpatient clinics might offer lower rates due to tight budget constraints, while hospital systems, skilled nursing facilities, and specialized clinics typically pay higher wages, reflecting healthcare market pressures. Given the current trend towards cash-pay models, some PTs may also find lucrative opportunities in high-cost areas, charging between $150 and $250 per hour directly. It's common for professionals in the field to negotiate for a higher hourly rate, but considerations such as benefits and job stability play a significant role in their decisions.
More salary data for Peoria, 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 Peoria. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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