Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Rockford, IL: $49.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Rockford, IL runs $49.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,833 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Rockford's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,298 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rockford, Illinois, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $49.92 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate is significant for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work, as it offers a competitive income for various settings including outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and schools. For part-time physical therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate allows for flexible schedules while earning a substantial income, with entry-level positions starting at $37.42 and top earners potentially seeing up to $62.96. With 190 professionals currently employed in the area, these figures reflect the ongoing demand and highlight the potential for lucrative per-diem opportunities in Rockford.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.42 | $299.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.25 | $394.02 |
| Median (P50) | $49.92 | $399.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.72 | $485.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.96 | $503.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rockford
Based on $49.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.92/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rockford, IL can expect to earn approximately $103,831 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,902. With a cost-of-living index of 92.15 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rockford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rockford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,996.74 | $8,653 | $103,831 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,198.04 | $5,192 | $62,298 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $798.70 | $3,461 | $41,532 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Rockford) | $49.92 |
| 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 Rockford, IL earn a median of $103,833 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.38% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.80% above the Illinois state average of $103,009.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.92/hr = $62,298/year (purchasing power: $67,602).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,831/year (purchasing power: $112,671).
CoL index: 92.154 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Rockford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Rockford grew 9.5% from $44.50/hr (2019) to $48.72/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.15/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 Rockford 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 Rockford
Assessing the earning potential, a physical therapist working on a part-time basis—say for 24 hours a week—can still take home a respectable income yearly, albeit less than full-time colleagues, who may enjoy more financial stability and benefit packages. Per-diem physical therapists often find themselves billing $50-$75 per hour, with travel contracts making even higher weekly wages possible, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 when including stipends. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics or hospital rehab units may offer differing hourly rates, which can affect overall earnings. While some physical therapists might opt for lower pay in exchange for health benefits, others will prefer higher rates without the safety net of insurance. Effective negotiation is crucial for these hourly workers, with a focus on market rates and personal value ensuring fair compensation. In Rockford’s evolving healthcare field, understanding these dynamics can empower physical therapists to make informed career choices.
More salary data for Rockford, 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 Rockford. 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