Physical Therapist Salary in Cicero, IL: $99,725 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Cicero, IL earns a median $99,725/year (≈ $47.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Cicero's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $102,703 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist salary in Cicero, IL, is projected to reach a median of $99,725, positioning it about 5.28% lower than the national median of $105,288. This city showcases a salary range from $75,660 at the 10th percentile to $129,370 at the 90th percentile, indicating a competitive market for qualified professionals. With a growing trend toward cash-pay sports and orthopedic specialty practices, top-end earnings are becoming more accessible for those specializing in these areas. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variances, highlighting the dynamic economic context in which Cicero's physical therapists operate.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,660 | $36.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,467 | $40.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,725 | $47.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,955 | $56.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,370 | $62.19 |
Median Salary Position
5.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
In Cicero, IL, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,710 (2026 est.). At $99,725, the local median is 5.28% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cicero: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cicero Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Cicero median: $99,725/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cicero Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,022 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -5.28% less |
Physical Therapists in Cicero, IL earn a median of $99,725 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.28% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $103,022.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cicero 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.
Cicero, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $99,725 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,703 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,715
2025 BLS Actual
$97,331
2026 Current Est.
$99,725
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,715 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,202 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,568 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,557 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,442 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,228 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,331 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,725 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,179 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cicero metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $84,715 (2019) to $97,331 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,179 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,464 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero 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) | $75,660 – $83,467 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,467 – $99,725 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,725 – $116,955 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,955 – $129,370 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Cicero
The job market for physical therapists in Cicero remains robust, with 21 professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index at 97.1 suggests that living expenses are manageable, potentially allowing for a greater take-home pay relative to the national average. Among area facilities, outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico and ATI often offer higher salaries due to the demand for specialized skills and the fast-paced environment. Factors leading to variations in pay include productivity expectations and incentives linked to clinical productivity, as well as financial arrangements in practices, whether cash-pay or insurance-based. To maximize earnings, physical therapists should consider pursuing board certifications such as OCS or SCS, along with seeking employment in high-demand specialties or exploring opportunities in travel PT, which frequently offers premium compensation.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Cicero, IL in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Cicero?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Cicero?
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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 $97,331 for physical therapistsin the Cicero 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 Cicero 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