Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Champaign, IL: $48.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Champaign, IL runs $48.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,247 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Champaign's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,150 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Champaign, Illinois, physical therapists can expect a median hourly pay of $48.20, which is slightly lower than the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate places physical therapists in a favorable position, especially for those working part-time or per-diem roles, which are common in outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health scenarios. Entry-level therapists typically earn around $37.70 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $62.56. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a reliable benchmark for professionals seeking opportunities in Champaign's diverse healthcare settings.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.70 | $301.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.52 | $324.18 |
| Median (P50) | $48.20 | $385.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.61 | $492.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.56 | $500.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Champaign
Based on $48.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.20/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Champaign, IL can expect to earn approximately $100,250 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,837. With a cost-of-living index of 92.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Champaign.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Champaign
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,927.89 | $8,354 | $100,250 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,156.73 | $5,013 | $60,150 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $771.15 | $3,342 | $40,100 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Champaign) | $48.20 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Champaign, IL earn a median of $100,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.79% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.70% below the Illinois state average of $103,029.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.20/hr = $60,150/year (purchasing power: $64,884).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,250/year (purchasing power: $108,140).
CoL index: 92.704 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+10.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Champaign grew 5.5% from $44.59/hr (2019) to $47.04/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.38/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Champaign 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Champaign
Analyzing the earning potential for a physical therapist in this region reveals significant opportunities, especially for those opting for part-time schedules. For instance, a physical therapist working three days a week and logging 24 hours can earn a considerable annual income. Per-diem positions present an additional route, with physical therapists often billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, traveling physical therapists can earn contracts ranging between $1,800 and $2,800 per week, often including stipends. Hourly rates can vary depending on the employer type; outpatient clinics may offer lower pay compared to hospital settings, which often provide benefits that come with a trade-off in wage. Physical therapists looking to optimize their income should consider negotiating pay based on the varying compensation structures within Champaign, weighing the advantages of benefits against hourly rates that may be higher in private practice or through contract work.
More salary data for Champaign, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Champaign in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Champaign?
Are physical therapists in Champaign paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Champaign?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Champaign. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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