Physical Therapist Salary in DeKalb, IL: $99,142 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in DeKalb, IL earns a median $99,142/year (≈ $47.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in DeKalb's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $102,103 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the competitive healthcare environment of DeKalb, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for physical therapists in 2026 is $99,142, indicating a slightly lower earning potential compared to the national median of $105,288. The salary range reflects varying levels of experience and practice settings, with physical therapists earning between $79,886 at the lower 10th percentile and reaching up to $131,018 at the 90th percentile. These figures are informed by regional cost adjustments and state-level data, showcasing the financial realities facing professionals in this field. As physical therapy roles differ among outpatient chains, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), prospective therapists should consider their preferred practice environment carefully, as it will influence their salary trajectory and job satisfaction in DeKalb.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,886 | $38.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,982 | $41.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,142 | $47.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,470 | $54.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,018 | $62.99 |
Median Salary Position
5.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeKalb
In DeKalb, IL, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,132 (2026 est.). At $99,142, the local median is 5.84% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in DeKalb: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeKalb Physical Therapist Pay Compares
DeKalb median: $99,142/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeKalb Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,059 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -5.84% less |
Physical Therapists in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $99,142 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.84% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $103,059.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeKalb 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.
DeKalb, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $99,142 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,103 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,219
2025 BLS Actual
$96,762
2026 Current Est.
$99,142
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,219 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,698 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,039 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,016 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,762 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,142 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,581 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeKalb metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $84,219 (2019) to $96,762 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,581 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,362 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb 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) | $79,886 – $85,982 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,982 – $99,142 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,142 – $112,470 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,470 – $131,018 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in DeKalb
The local physical therapist job market in DeKalb currently employs nine therapists, highlighting a niche but stable demand for qualified professionals in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the economic environment can enhance purchasing power compared to the national average. Salaries tend to vary, with outpatient orthopedic clinics such as Athletico and Select Medical often providing competitive pay that includes productivity bonuses, while inpatient rehab settings may offer different incentives. Factors contributing to salary disparity include productivity expectations—often tracked by units per visit—and board certification stipends for specialized roles. Physical therapists in DeKalb may maximize their compensation by pursuing additional certifications such as OCS or SCS, considering roles with travel agency contracts, or exploring opportunities in cash-pay practices to circumvent declining insurance reimbursements.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in DeKalb, IL in 2026?
Is DeKalb, IL a good place to work as a physical therapist?
Can physical therapists make $100K in DeKalb?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in DeKalb?
How much does a physical therapist make per hour in DeKalb?
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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 $96,762 for physical therapistsin the DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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