Senior Physical Therapist Salary in Quincy, IL: $130,218 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapists working in Quincy, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $130,218/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1123. Strip back Quincy's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $134,107 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, top earners in Quincy, Illinois, can anticipate a senior physical therapist salary reaching up to $130,218, with a substantial portion of experienced therapists earning around $118,168. This level of pay reflects a significant experience premium for those in the field, who command a median annual salary of $99,981 compared to their colleagues. Achieving these high salary brackets often requires not just years of experience—typically seven or more—but also specialized credentials that elevate a therapist's expertise. As such, whether through advanced board certifications like Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or gaining experience in niche areas, the pathway to top physical therapist salary Quincy offers becomes clearer.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Experienced physical therapists at the top of the pay scale in Quincy earn between $118,168 and $130,218 per year (2026 est.). This $56,516 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Quincy median of $99,981 sits 5.04% below the US median.
Top PT Salary Comparison
| Level | Quincy | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $99,981 | $105,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,168 | $124,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $130,218 | $138,464 |
In Quincy, experienced physical therapists (P90) earn 30.24% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Pay in Quincy
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL physical therapists with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $99,981 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Quincy employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Quincy command premium compensation, often reaching the $118,168–$130,218 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Quincy metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapists in Quincy with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapists in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Quincy
Clinical Physical Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedQuincy ranks #34 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner physical therapist salary (90th percentile: $130,218).
Top 10% physical therapist compensation in Quincy ($130,218) is 9.61% below the Illinois average P90 ($144,066).
2019 BLS Actual
$117,311
2025 BLS Actual
$127,092
2026 Current Est.
$130,218
2019–2027 Growth
+13.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,311 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,158 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,076 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,092 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,218 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,422 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapists (90th percentile) in Quincy saw their compensation grow 8.3% from $117,311 in 2019 to $127,092 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.46% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $133,422 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Earnings in Quincy
Determining factors in compensation for senior physical therapists in Quincy stem not only from specialization but also the type of employer. Positions within outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico or skilled nursing facilities often provide competitive pay, yet may differ due to varying productivity expectations and practice models. Seeking roles in areas such as cardiopulmonary therapy, geriatrics, or pediatric therapy can further elevate earnings potential, especially for therapists with advanced qualifications such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and board specialty certifications. Career advancement avenues such as becoming a clinic director or faculty member in DPT programs also present viable paths to increase salary. Other non-salary compensation variables, including equity stakes in private practices or bonuses linked to productivity metrics, can significantly enhance overall earnings for those navigating the senior-level landscape in this profession in Quincy, IL.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapists make in Quincy in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist pay in Quincy?
What certifications boost physical therapist salary in Quincy?
Can experienced physical therapists make six figures in Quincy?
How much does physical therapist salary increase over time in Quincy?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $127,092 for physical therapists in the Quincy metro area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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