What is the median salary for Physical Therapists in Chicago, Illinois?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Physical Therapists in the Chicago metropolitan area is $104,200.

Does Chicago pay more than the Illinois state average for Physical Therapists?

The Chicago metro median is +0.8% versus the Illinois state median of $103,380.

How does Chicago compare to the national median for Physical Therapists?

The Chicago metro median is +1.6% versus the BLS national figure of $102,556.

What is the salary range for Physical Therapists in Chicago?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $82,840 and the 90th-percentile at $151,020 for the Chicago metro area.

What education is required for Physical Therapists?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Physical Therapists Salary in Chicago, Illinois

Median annual$104,200

Mean annual$109,110

Range (10th to 90th)$82,840 to $151,020

Chicago, Illinois employment8,360

State vs national+1.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Chicago physical therapists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $96,580 and $119,940, with a median of $104,200.

Typical entry

Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
4.6 / 5
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge
4.6 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
4.1 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
4.0 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
4.0 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Plan, prepare, or carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve, or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain, or prevent physical dysfunction in patients.
02
Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention.
03
Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.
04
Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
05
Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
06
Confer with the patient, medical practitioners, or appropriate others to plan, implement, or assess the intervention program.
07
Administer manual exercises, massage, or traction to help relieve pain, increase patient strength, or decrease or prevent deformity or crippling.
08
Obtain patients' informed consent to proposed interventions.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Physical Therapists in Chicago, Illinois?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Physical Therapists in the Chicago metropolitan area is $104,200.
Does Chicago pay more than the Illinois state average for Physical Therapists?: The Chicago metro median is +0.8% versus the Illinois state median of $103,380.
How does Chicago compare to the national median for Physical Therapists?: The Chicago metro median is +1.6% versus the BLS national figure of $102,556.
What is the salary range for Physical Therapists in Chicago?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $82,840 and the 90th-percentile at $151,020 for the Chicago metro area.
What education is required for Physical Therapists?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Chicago CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.