Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Galesburg, IL: $46.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Galesburg, IL runs $46.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,736 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Galesburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,641 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Galesburg, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for a physical therapist is $46.99. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $50.62, signaling a competitive yet nuanced local market for these healthcare professionals. For part-time physical therapists working three days a week, this means earning around $1,125 weekly, which can be supplemented by per-diem work often found in outpatient clinic settings or skilled nursing facilities. With an hourly range of $36.77 at the entry level to $60.81 for top earners, Galesburg offers opportunities across various environments, including hospital rehab units and home health care. It's essential to understand that these hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data, reflecting the unique economic dynamics of the region.
About the Galesburg Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.77 | $294.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.95 | $319.59 |
| Median (P50) | $46.99 | $375.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.30 | $442.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.81 | $486.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galesburg
Based on $46.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.99/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galesburg, IL can expect to earn approximately $97,735 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,386. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galesburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galesburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,879.53 | $8,145 | $97,735 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,127.72 | $4,887 | $58,641 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $751.81 | $3,258 | $39,094 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Galesburg) | $46.99 |
| 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 Galesburg, IL earn a median of $97,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.17% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 5.10% below the Illinois state average of $102,988.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.99/hr = $58,641/year (purchasing power: $60,393).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,735/year (purchasing power: $100,654).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Galesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Galesburg grew 14.9% from $39.92/hr (2019) to $45.86/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.14/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 Galesburg 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 Galesburg
Considering the potential for part-time work in Galesburg, a physical therapist engaging in a 24-hour workweek could realistically take home around $58,920 per year based on the local hourly rate. This contrasts with a full-time position, which would yield a significantly higher annual salary. For those opting for per diem work, billing rates can commonly range from $50 to $75 per hour, providing an alternative income stream for professionals seeking flexibility. Additionally, contract roles typically pay $1,800 to $2,800 per week, especially for travel PT positions, highlighting the varied earning potential available in the profession. Differences in hourly rates also emerge based on employer type, with outpatient orthopedic chains generally offering lower wages than hospital systems that provide more comprehensive benefits. Some therapists may find themselves accepting lower hourly rates for the security of health insurance, while others prefer the higher pay in exchange for forgoing benefits. In such a competitive climate, effective negotiation becomes crucial, especially for hourly workers in Galesburg who should emphasize their unique skills and qualifications when discussing potential compensation.
More salary data for Galesburg, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Galesburg in 2026?
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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 Galesburg. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Galesburg 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