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Physical Therapist Salary in Chicago, IL — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Chicago's cost of living (index: 114). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Physical Therapist Salary in Chicago — Key Numbers

$113,669
Median Salary
$92,739
25th Percentile
$135,443
75th Percentile
$158,403
90th Percentile
National median (Physical Therapist)$99,710
vs. National median+14.0%
Chicago median household income$70,100
vs. City household income+62.2%

Cost of Living in Chicago

Cost of Living Index
114(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$2,288/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio24.2%
Annual rent cost$27,456
Median Home Price$315,000
Home Price / Salary2.8×
20% Down Payment$63,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Chicago

4.6%
Unemployment Rate
9,560,000
Metro Population
31 min
Avg Commute
36.7
Median Age

Chicago has a metro population of 9,560,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.6% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Chicago

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Physical Therapist Salary in Illinois
Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Chicago

Physician$261,402Chief Executive Officer$239,400Dentist$200,081IT Manager$193,241Marketing Manager$179,687Lawyer$166,166

Physical Therapist Salary — Other Illinois Cities

Rockford, IL$82,759Peoria, IL$83,756

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Chicago, IL?

The estimated median salary for a Physical Therapist in Chicago is $113,669 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $99,710 adjusted by Chicago's cost of living index (114). The typical salary range runs from $92,739 (25th percentile) to $135,443 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $158,403.

Is Chicago affordable for a Physical Therapist?

On a $113,669 annual salary, a Physical Therapist in Chicago would spend approximately 24.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,288/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Chicago relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $315,000 is 2.8× the annual salary.

How does a Physical Therapist's salary compare to Chicago's overall income?

Chicago's median household income is $70,100. A Physical Therapist earning the city-adjusted median of $113,669 earns 62.2% more than the typical Chicago household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Physical Therapist — NationalPhysical Therapist in IllinoisAll Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.