2026 Salary — Illinois
Updated April 29, 2026
Physical Therapist Salary in Illinois: $103K Median
Physical Therapists in Illinois earn between $77K and $134K per year.
That's +3% above the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in Illinois is $102,701 per year — +3% above the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $77,250 (entry, 25th percentile) to $133,900 (90th percentile). Illinois's cost-of-living index is 100. State income tax applies.
Median
$102,701
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$80,340
Experienced
$118,450
Top 10%
$133,900
About Physical Therapists in Illinois
Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.
Hot 2026 Skills
Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access
ATS Keywords
DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice
Physical Therapist Salary in Illinois Metros
Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay calculator.
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $104,696 |
How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in Illinois
Walk-away anchor: $93,365.
Leverage Points
- Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
- Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
- Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
- Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage
Negotiate Beyond Base
Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend
Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — Illinois
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Illinois?
The average Physical Therapist salary in Illinois is $102,701 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $77,250 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $133,900 (90th percentile). State income tax applies.
How does Physical Therapist pay in Illinois compare to the US average?
Physical Therapists in Illinois earn approximately 3% more than the US national median ($99,710 nationally vs $102,701 in Illinois). Illinois's cost-of-living index of 100 is close to the national average.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in Illinois increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in Illinois grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $15,561 in 2025 to $102,701 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
Which Illinois cities pay Physical Therapists the most?
Top-paying Illinois metros for Physical Therapists: Chicago ($105K). Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in Illinois?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. Illinois's top industries include Finance, Manufacturing, Logistics, and the state's unemployment rate is 4.8% — steady demand for skilled workers.
Does Illinois have state income tax?
Yes, Illinois has state income tax. This affects take-home pay — at $102,701, expect 4-7% effective state tax depending on filing status. See city pages for detailed take-home calculations.
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with Illinois employers.
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in Illinois?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Beyond base, negotiate: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%). Walk-away anchor for Illinois: $93,365.
Methodology
Illinois Physical Therapist salary is the BLS national median ($99,710) adjusted by Illinois's state multiplier (1.03×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
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