Physical Therapist Salary in East Chicago, IN: $97,373 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in East Chicago, IN earns a median $97,373/year (≈ $46.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in East Chicago's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $106,652 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Chicago, Indiana, physical therapists can expect a median annual salary of $97,373 in 2026, which is roughly 7.52% lower than the national median of $105,288. The projected salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $76,057, while the highest earners can make as much as $125,854. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, reflect the structural dynamics of the local healthcare market. Outpatient chains, which have gained popularity over the past decade, often tend to pay less compared to hospital systems, but they may offer productivity bonuses and opportunities in high-volume settings. Consequently, the choice of workplace can expose physical therapists in East Chicago to substantial differences in compensation and job expectations.
About the East Chicago Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,057 | $36.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,673 | $39.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,373 | $46.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,495 | $55.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,854 | $60.50 |
Median Salary Position
7.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Chicago
In East Chicago, IN, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,797 (2026 est.). At $97,373, the local median is 7.52% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Chicago: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Chicago Physical Therapist Pay Compares
East Chicago median: $97,373/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Chicago Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $100,905 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -7.52% less |
Physical Therapists in East Chicago, IN earn a median of $97,373 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.52% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $100,905.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Chicago has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Chicago, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $97,373 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $106,652 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,716
2025 BLS Actual
$95,035
2026 Current Est.
$97,373
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in East Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,716 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,168 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,432 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,374 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,214 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,095 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,035 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,373 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,768 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Chicago metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $82,716 (2019) to $95,035 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,768 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,052 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Chicago 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) | $76,057 – $82,673 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,673 – $97,373 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,373 – $114,495 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,495 – $125,854 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in East Chicago
The local job market features only five employed physical therapists, highlighting the limited opportunities within the area. East Chicago's cost of living index stands at 91.3, suggesting that while salaries may seem competitive, the purchasing power may not match that of more urbanized regions. Employers that generally offer higher pay include hospital systems that can afford to provide competitive salaries compared to outpatient facilities, along with skilled nursing facilities which can offer equitable rates. Factors influencing the wage spread include productivity demands, such as units billed per visit and daily visit quotas, as well as certifications like the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) that might bring additional stipends. To maximize earning potential, physical therapists should consider specializing, taking advantage of cash-pay models, or exploring travel PT opportunities, all of which can lead to enhanced compensation in the competitive landscape of East Chicago.
More salary data for East Chicago, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in East Chicago, IN in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in East Chicago?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in East Chicago?
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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 $95,035 for physical therapistsin the East Chicago 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 East Chicago 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