Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Waukegan, IL: $49.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Waukegan, IL runs $49.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,177 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Waukegan's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,902 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Waukegan, Illinois, earn a median hourly pay of $49.60, slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate can be particularly appealing for part-time professionals working three days a week, as it translates to substantial earnings while affording flexibility in their schedules. Typical employment settings include outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits, all of which have distinct pay scales. The hourly range for physical therapists in Waukegan varies from approximately $36.35 for entry-level positions to $67.71 for top earners, illustrating a diverse earning potential in the field. These hourly estimates derive from comprehensive annual salary data but provide a focused lens on hourly work options, which are increasingly relevant for many in today’s healthcare job market.
About the Waukegan 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) | $36.35 | $290.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.55 | $324.43 |
| Median (P50) | $49.60 | $396.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.30 | $466.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.71 | $541.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukegan
Based on $49.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.60/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukegan, IL can expect to earn approximately $103,170 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,521. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukegan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukegan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,984.04 | $8,597 | $103,170 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,190.42 | $5,158 | $61,902 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $793.61 | $3,439 | $41,268 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Waukegan) | $49.60 |
| 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 Waukegan, IL earn a median of $103,177 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.00% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $103,074.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.60/hr = $61,902/year (purchasing power: $63,751).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,170/year (purchasing power: $106,251).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Waukegan grew 14.9% from $42.13/hr (2019) to $48.41/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.82/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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan
Examining part-time potential, a physical therapist in Waukegan working 24 hours a week would take home around $61,619 annually, compared to full-time peers who typically earn more. For those looking to maximize their income, per diem physical therapist pay in Waukegan generally falls between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel PT contracts can offer $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, including additional stipends. Hourly rates can also differ significantly depending on the employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often paying less than hospital systems but potentially offering productivity bonuses. Many therapists face the choice of accepting lower hourly rates with benefits, such as health insurance, or opting for higher pay without benefits. Negotiation strategies for physical therapists in Waukegan might include researching competitive rates, showcasing specialized skills, and understanding local market demands to achieve favorable pay terms in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Waukegan in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Waukegan?
Are physical therapists in Waukegan paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Waukegan?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Waukegan?
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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 Waukegan. 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 Waukegan 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