Physical Therapist Salary in Wheeling, IL: $100,574 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Wheeling, IL earns a median $100,574/year (≈ $48.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Wheeling's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $103,578 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheeling, Illinois, physical therapists can expect a median annual salary of $100,574 in 2026, illustrating a competitive compensation package within the region. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $80,283 (P10) and experienced therapists potentially earning up to $131,895 (P90). These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, highlighting the pressure that productivity expectations exert on effective hourly compensation. With outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers prevalent in Wheeling, the job market reflects a blend of competitive pay and demand for specialized skills, particularly in high-volume settings that require therapists to meet ambitious visit-per-day goals.
About the Wheeling Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,283 | $38.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,744 | $41.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,574 | $48.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,648 | $57.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,895 | $63.41 |
Median Salary Position
4.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheeling
In Wheeling, IL, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,612 (2026 est.). At $100,574, the local median is 4.48% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheeling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheeling Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Wheeling median: $100,574/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheeling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,047 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -4.48% less |
Physical Therapists in Wheeling, IL earn a median of $100,574 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.48% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.40% below the Illinois state average of $103,047.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheeling 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.
Wheeling, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $100,574 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,578 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,435
2025 BLS Actual
$98,159
2026 Current Est.
$100,574
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,435 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,935 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,339 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,345 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,246 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,995 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,159 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,574 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,048 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheeling metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $85,435 (2019) to $98,159 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,048 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,613 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheeling 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) | $80,283 – $86,744 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,744 – $100,574 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,574 – $119,648 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,648 – $131,895 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Wheeling
The job market for physical therapists in Wheeling is relatively narrow, with only six professionals currently employed in the area, underscoring a tight community of practice. The cost of living index of 97.1 suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the affordability of the area could enhance the purchasing power of local therapists. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly chains like Athletico and ATI, remain some of the highest-paying employers due to their structured productivity models and bonus incentivization. In this environment, earning potential can significantly differ based on factors like board specialization incentives (like OCS or SCS) and practice models that favor cash payments over insurance. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Wheeling, focusing on obtaining advanced certifications and exploring opportunities in high-demand settings can prove advantageous as the profession navigates changing reimbursement landscapes and rising practice expectations.
More salary data for Wheeling, 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 $98,159 for physical therapistsin the Wheeling 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 Wheeling 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