Physical Therapist Salary in Skokie, IL: $100,721 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Skokie, IL earns a median $100,721/year (≈ $48.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Skokie's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $103,729 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Skokie, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for physical therapists in 2026 is $100,721, slightly below the national median of $105,288. The salary range for this profession locally stretches from $77,885 at the lowest 10th percentile to $132,306 for those in the top 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local cost-of-living considerations, reflect a job market evolving alongside trends in cash-pay models, particularly among sports and orthopedic specialists. As more clinics adopt this payment structure, top-end salaries are seeing increased potential, indicating a competitive market for those with the right skills and certifications in Skokie, IL.
About the Skokie Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,885 | $37.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,275 | $40.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,721 | $48.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,341 | $57.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,306 | $63.61 |
Median Salary Position
4.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Skokie
In Skokie, IL, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,421 (2026 est.). At $100,721, the local median is 4.34% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Skokie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Skokie Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Skokie median: $100,721/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Skokie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $102,987 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -4.34% less |
Physical Therapists in Skokie, IL earn a median of $100,721 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.34% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.20% below the Illinois state average of $102,987.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Skokie 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.
Skokie, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $100,721 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,729 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,561
2025 BLS Actual
$98,303
2026 Current Est.
$100,721
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Skokie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,561 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,063 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,473 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,482 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,385 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,128 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,303 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,721 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,199 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Skokie metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $85,561 (2019) to $98,303 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,199 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,638 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Skokie 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) | $77,885 – $83,275 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,275 – $100,721 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,721 – $119,341 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,341 – $132,306 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Skokie
Considering the local employment landscape, only a dozen physical therapists are currently working in Skokie, pointing to a niche market that may offer limited opportunities but also potential for growth. The cost of living index stands at 97.1, which translates to greater purchasing power for physical therapists in Skokie compared to many other regions. Outpatient orthopedic practices, such as Athletico and ATI, often lead in offering competitive pay, though productivity expectations can be demanding, particularly concerning unit counts and visit quotas. Factors such as board certifications (like OCS or SCS) may yield additional stipends, while those in a cash-pay setting can capitalize on premium earnings. To optimize compensation, aspiring physical therapists should focus on enhancing their clinical services, pursuing specialized training, and understanding the nuances of their practice models in order to leverage the advantages offered in the Skokie market.
More salary data for Skokie, 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 $98,303 for physical therapistsin the Skokie 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 Skokie 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