Physical Therapist Salary in Springfield, IL: $118,843 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Springfield, IL earns a median $118,843/year (≈ $57.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Springfield's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $128,140 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.3% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Springfield, Illinois, physical therapists can expect a competitive median annual salary of $118,843 in 2026, reflecting a notable increase compared to the national median of $105,288. The salary range for this profession varies considerably, from $83,023 at the 10th percentile to $151,016 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. This salary framework is crucial for professionals considering the local job market, which has a predominant presence of outpatient orthopedic chains, hospital systems, and skilled nursing facilities. These differing employment settings impact compensation significantly, as outpatient clinics often prioritize productivity-based pay, while hospitals may offer more stable salaries along with benefits.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,023 | $39.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,233 | $50.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,843 | $57.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $129,899 | $62.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $151,016 | $72.60 |
Median Salary Position
12.87% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springfield
In Springfield, IL, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,993 (2026 est.). At $118,843, the local median is 12.87% above the national median of $105,288.
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At 40 hours/week in Springfield: You'd be above the median
How Springfield Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Springfield median: $118,843/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Springfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,073 | +15.30% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +12.87% more |
Physical Therapists in Springfield, IL earn a median of $118,843 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.87% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 15.30% above the Illinois state average of $103,073.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Springfield has a cost of living 7.25% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Springfield, IL has a cost-of-living index of 92.745 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $118,843 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $128,140 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.82% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,040
2025 BLS Actual
$115,990
2026 Current Est.
$118,843
2019–2027 Growth
+44.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,843 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,767 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Springfield metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 38.0% from $84,040 (2019) to $115,990 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,767 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,727 (44.89%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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) | $83,023 – $104,233 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,233 – $118,843 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,843 – $129,899 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $129,899 – $151,016 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Springfield
With around 150 physical therapists employed in Springfield, the local job market appears robust, supported by a cost-of-living index of 92.745, making take-home pay stretch further than in many other regions. Outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico or ATI may lead in terms of productivity bonuses, yet hospital inpatient rehab facilities can offset lower starting salaries with enhanced benefits packages. The variation in salaries can be attributed to several factors, including productivity expectations, board certifications (such as OCS or SCS stipends), and clinic ownership structures. For those seeking to maximize physical therapist pay in Springfield IL, pursuing higher certifications, negotiating productivity bonuses, or considering travel PT opportunities can significantly enhance earning potential while navigating the challenges presented by the evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Springfield, 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 $115,990 for physical therapistsin the Springfield 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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