East Chicago vs Indianapolis: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between East Chicago, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Chicago, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,373 | $106,323▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.81 | $51.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,057 | $79,704▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,673 | $84,960▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,495 | $119,407▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,854 | $127,829▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 2,790▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to East Chicago.
The salary gap between East Chicago and Indianapolis is $8,950 (9.19%). Indianapolis's median is +0.98% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Chicago spans $49,797,Indianapolis spans $48,125. East Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Indianapolis ($111,105 effective) pays 4.18% more than East Chicago ($106,652 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Chicago if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,323/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,829)
- ✓Larger job market (2,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,105)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in East Chicago grew 17.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
East Chicago, IN
$81,095 (2024) → $95,035 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$87,600 (2019) → $103,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Chicago, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: East Chicago or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Chicago and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from East Chicago to Indianapolis as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in East Chicago vs Indianapolis?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov