Physical Therapist Salary in Belleville, IL: $98,270 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Belleville, IL earns a median $98,270/year (≈ $47.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Belleville's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $101,205 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Belleville, IL, physical therapist salaries are projected to reach a median annual income of $98,270 in 2026, illustrating how the demands of productivity and high patient volume can shape compensation for these healthcare professionals. The anticipated salary range spans from $77,769 at the 10th percentile to $124,482 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variances in experience, specialization, and the types of facilities where therapists are employed. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, highlight that physical therapist pay in Belleville is approximately 6.67% lower than the national median of $105,288. With a growth rate of 2.46% projected over the next five years, job opportunities in this area suggest a stable demand for professionals in the field, influenced by local healthcare dynamics.
About the Belleville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,769 | $37.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,182 | $40.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,270 | $47.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,305 | $54.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,482 | $59.85 |
Median Salary Position
6.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Belleville
In Belleville, IL, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,713 (2026 est.). At $98,270, the local median is 6.67% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Belleville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Belleville Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Belleville median: $98,270/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Belleville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,009 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -6.67% less |
Physical Therapists in Belleville, IL earn a median of $98,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.67% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $103,009.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Belleville has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Belleville, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $98,270 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,205 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,479
2025 BLS Actual
$95,911
2026 Current Est.
$98,270
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Belleville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,479 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,944 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,247 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,207 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,064 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,911 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,911 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,270 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,688 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Belleville metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $83,479 (2019) to $95,911 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,688 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,209 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Belleville 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $77,769 – $84,182 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,182 – $98,270 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,270 – $114,305 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,305 – $124,482 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Belleville
Currently, there are ten physical therapists employed in Belleville, a number that indicates a niche but focused market. The city's cost of living index stands at 97.1, meaning therapists may find their purchasing power enhances relative to their earnings, although the lower average could still impact lifestyle choices. Among potential employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics, such as Athletico, might pay less upfront but offer productivity bonuses that can contribute to overall earnings. Factors driving the variation in pay levels include expectations around visit frequency, the pursuit of board certifications, and differences between cash-pay models and traditional insurance practices. To maximize earnings, physical therapists in Belleville should consider enhancing their credentials, understanding the regional competitive landscape, and negotiating contracts that align with productivity expectations while exploring specialized areas such as sports medicine or home health.
More salary data for Belleville, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $95,911 for physical therapistsin the Belleville metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Belleville 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