Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Moline, IL: $78,930 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,930 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,287 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,661) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the physical therapy field in Moline, Illinois, can expect to earn a starting physical therapist salary of approximately $78,930 in 2026. This initial pay falls below the city's median salary of $103,661, indicating a significant gap that new professionals should prepare for as they transition into their careers. Over the first few years, there's a realistic growth trajectory where new graduates may see their salaries increase towards the 25th percentile level of $86,830, ultimately aspiring to reach the median as they gain experience and skills. Moline presents a viable market for new therapists, especially given the area's need for rehabilitation services and the projected growth rate of 2.46% annually for the profession within the region.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Entry-level physical therapists in Moline, IL typically start between $78,930 and $86,830 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,501 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,661 — 1.55% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Illinois of $130,000 represents just 164.70% of the starting physical therapist pay ($78,930/year) in Moline. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $78,930 to $86,830, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moline, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Moline is $49,501 ( 62.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,930, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,431.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,035
2025 BLS Actual
$77,035
2026 Current Est.
$78,930
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,035 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,444 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,846 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,818 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,162 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,035 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,930 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,872 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,035 in 2019 to $77,035 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,872. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Moline
In Moline, various employers are actively seeking to hire new graduates, particularly outpatient orthopedic chains which tend to bring on most new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) hires. These establishments often implement structured productivity ramps that can help new grads develop their skills while meeting performance expectations. Additionally, local hospital systems may offer residency programs aimed at board certification, offering a pathway for further specialization. Starting salaries can vary significantly based on the type of employer; skilled nursing facility rehab firms may provide competitive pay that exceeds average starting wages. To enhance their earning potential, new graduates should prioritize obtaining their state PT license along with passing the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), and consider engaging in continuing education or board specialization through optional residencies. Given the consolidation seen in the industry, where facilities like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico have emerged, a strategic approach to career development in the initial years can lead to improved salary outcomes as productivity expectations evolve against the backdrop of insurance practices.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Moline in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Moline?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Moline?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Moline?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov