Physical Therapist Salary in Elgin, IL: $107,355 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Elgin, IL earns a median $107,355/year (≈ $51.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Elgin's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $110,561 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Elgin, Illinois, can anticipate a median annual salary of $107,355, which is slightly above the national average of $105,288. The salary range varies from $81,670 at the 10th percentile to $144,978 at the 90th percentile, reflecting significant earning potential in this profession. These projections, derived from 2025 BLS data, highlight the influence of the growing trend toward cash-pay models, particularly within orthopedic practice settings, where therapists may see higher compensation. The Elgin job market presents a unique opportunity for PTs, fueled by a robust local demand for services and an estimated 16 practicing physical therapists in the area.
About the Elgin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,670 | $39.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,345 | $42.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $107,355 | $51.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $128,894 | $61.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,978 | $69.70 |
Median Salary Position
1.96% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elgin
In Elgin, IL, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,308 (2026 est.). At $107,355, the local median is 1.96% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elgin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elgin Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Elgin median: $107,355/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elgin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,027 | +4.20% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +1.96% more |
Physical Therapists in Elgin, IL earn a median of $107,355 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.96% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 4.20% above the Illinois state average of $103,027.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elgin 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.
Elgin, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $107,355 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $110,561 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,196
2025 BLS Actual
$104,777
2026 Current Est.
$107,355
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,196 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,796 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,497 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,638 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,667 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,308 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,777 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,355 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,995 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elgin metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $91,196 (2019) to $104,777 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,995 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,799 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elgin 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) | $81,670 – $88,345 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,345 – $107,355 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $107,355 – $128,894 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $128,894 – $144,978 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Elgin
The cost-of-living index in Elgin sits at 97.1, which suggests that expenses are lower relative to the national average, thus enhancing the purchasing power of salaries for physical therapists. Outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico or private practices often offer competitive wages, and those with specialized board certifications such as OCS or SCS may see additional stipends that elevate their pay. Factors influencing the salary range include expected productivity—often measured in units per visit or visits per day—and the increasingly common cash-pay model that can lead to higher earnings for therapists who opt for it. To maximize their earnings, physical therapists should focus on work settings that align with these trends, consider additional certifications, and pursue opportunities that offer equity stakes in private practices.
More salary data for Elgin, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Elgin?
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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 $104,777 for physical therapistsin the Elgin 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 Elgin 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