Physical Therapist Salary in Lombard, IL: $99,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Lombard, IL earns a median $99,830/year (≈ $47.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Lombard's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $102,812 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lombard, Illinois, the physical therapist median annual salary is projected to be $99,830 in 2026, which reflects a slight dip of 5.18% compared to the national median of $105,288. While the local salary range varies significantly, with the lowest earning $73,339 and the highest reaching $129,727, these figures are indicative of the distinct employment environments in the area. Physical therapists in Lombard often have to make decisions about their work settings; outpatient orthopedic chains like Athletico or Select Medical generally offer lower salaries compared to hospital systems, but might include performance-based bonuses that could enhance overall compensation. As the demand for physical therapists remains strong, understanding these nuances is crucial for those seeking to maximize their career potential.
About the Lombard Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,339 | $35.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,416 | $42.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,830 | $47.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,810 | $56.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,727 | $62.37 |
Median Salary Position
5.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lombard
In Lombard, IL, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,388 (2026 est.). At $99,830, the local median is 5.18% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lombard: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lombard Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Lombard median: $99,830/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lombard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,024 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -5.18% less |
Physical Therapists in Lombard, IL earn a median of $99,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.18% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.10% below the Illinois state average of $103,024.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lombard 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.
Lombard, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $99,830 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,812 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,803
2025 BLS Actual
$97,433
2026 Current Est.
$99,830
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,803 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,292 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,663 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,654 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,541 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,322 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,433 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,286 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lombard metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $84,803 (2019) to $97,433 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,286 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,483 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard 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) | $73,339 – $87,416 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,416 – $99,830 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,830 – $117,810 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,810 – $129,727 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Lombard
The local job market for physical therapists in Lombard is relatively small, with only eight professionals currently employed. The cost-of-living index of 97.1 suggests that while salaries may not be as high as the national average, the purchasing power is somewhat more favorable than in many other regions. Outpatient clinics, particularly those affiliated with larger orthopedic chains, tend to offer the most competitive pay, yet the variance in compensation reflects differences in productivity requirements and practice models. Factors such as board certification stipends, clinic ownership potential, and differences between cash-pay and insurance-reliant practices also drive salary discrepancies. To maximize earnings, physical therapists should consider pursuing advanced certifications like OCS or SCS, exploring various employment settings, and negotiating higher productivity expectations tied to bonuses, thus navigating the local market effectively while enhancing their professional value.
More salary data for Lombard, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Lombard, IL in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Lombard?
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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 $97,433 for physical therapistsin the Lombard 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 Lombard 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