Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Oak Park, IL: $49.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Oak Park, IL runs $49.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,280 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Oak Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,365 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Park, Illinois, physical therapists earn a median hourly pay of $49.17, slightly below the national median of $50.62. For those considering part-time work, such as committing to three days a week, this hourly rate translates into approximately $1,060 per week, providing a practical baseline for budgeting. Per-diem positions, often found in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health scenarios, allow for flexibility while earning competitive pay. Hourly rates in Oak Park range from $35.34 for entry-level positions to $63.13 for highly experienced therapists, providing a decent wage for both full-time and part-time practitioners.
About the Oak Park 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) | $35.34 | $282.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.63 | $341.07 |
| Median (P50) | $49.17 | $393.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.28 | $458.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.13 | $505.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Park
Based on $49.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.17/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Park, IL can expect to earn approximately $102,275 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,005. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,966.82 | $8,523 | $102,275 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,180.09 | $5,114 | $61,365 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $786.73 | $3,409 | $40,910 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Oak Park) | $49.17 |
| 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 Oak Park, IL earn a median of $102,280 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.86% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.70% below the Illinois state average of $103,001.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.17/hr = $61,365/year (purchasing power: $63,198).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,275/year (purchasing power: $105,329).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Oak Park grew 14.9% from $41.77/hr (2019) to $47.99/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.38/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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park
Analyzing the earning potential for physical therapists in Oak Park reveals significant income differences based on work arrangements. A part-time therapist working 24 hours a week could expect to generate around $54,470 annually, a realistic figure compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem and locum tenens therapists can see pay rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, while contract positions might offer weekly earnings lofty as $1,800 to $2,800, contributing to appealing financial models. Moreover, hourly wages can vary widely among employers, with outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offering lower pay than hospital rehab units, but sometimes compensating through productivity bonuses. When navigating these opportunities, professionals should weigh the benefits of health insurance versus potential higher pay without benefits, especially in a market where reimbursement rates have pressured many healthcare facilities. Negotiating pay in Oak Park can also be influenced by local demand and individual experience, making it vital for therapists to advocate for competitive rates adaptable to their skill set.
More salary data for Oak Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Oak Park 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 Oak Park. 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 Oak Park 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