Orland Park vs Rockford: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Orland Park, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orland Park, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,467▲ | $103,833 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.23▲ | $49.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,669▲ | $77,818 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,995 | $102,440▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,075 | $126,292▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,786▲ | $130,954 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Orland Park, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Orland Park and Rockford is $634 (0.61%). Orland Park's median is -0.78% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orland Park spans $56,117,Rockford spans $53,136. Orland Park 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, Rockford ($112,673 effective) pays 4.73% more than Orland Park ($107,587 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,467/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,786)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,673)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Orland Park grew 7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.5% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Orland Park, IL
$94,517 (2024) → $101,959 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$92,550 (2019) → $101,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orland Park, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Orland Park or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orland Park and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Orland Park to Rockford as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Orland Park vs Rockford?
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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