Physical Therapist salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$105,720/year
about $50.83 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $98,120 – $123,720
Half of physical therapists in the Chicago metro area earn more than $105,720 a year and half earn less. That's 3% higher than the national median of $102,760, and ranks #15 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $85,220 | $40.97 |
| 25th | $98,120 | $47.17 |
| Median (50th) | $105,720 | $50.83 |
| 75th | $123,720 | $59.48 |
| 90th (top earners) | $142,320 | $68.42 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a physical therapist job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $98,120 ($47.17/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $98,120 to $123,720 ($47.17 to $59.48/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $123,720 ($59.48/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Productivity targets (patients per day or visits per week) vary a lot. Ask for the exact number.
- Home health and travel PT roles often pay more than outpatient clinics.
- Some employers offer student loan repayment, which can be worth more than a small raise.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Physical Therapists (SOC 29-1123). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.