Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Plainfield, IL: $47.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Plainfield, IL runs $47.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,622 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,779 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Plainfield, Illinois, physical therapists earn a median hourly pay of $47.90, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This hourly rate is particularly significant for part-time workers or those engaged in per-diem opportunities, as it translates into flexible earning potential across various healthcare settings. For instance, working three days a week could yield around $1,526 weekly, while per-diem therapists are often compensated based on productivity and can work in diverse environments like outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health scenarios. Entry-level practitioners can expect to start around $38.77 per hour, while top earners may make up to $62.05 per hour, reflecting the range of expertise and responsibilities in the field of physical therapy.
About the Plainfield 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) | $38.77 | $310.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.81 | $334.51 |
| Median (P50) | $47.90 | $383.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.40 | $451.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.05 | $496.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $47.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.90/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $99,632 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,480. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,916.00 | $8,303 | $99,632 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,149.60 | $4,982 | $59,779 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $766.40 | $3,321 | $39,853 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Plainfield) | $47.90 |
| 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 Plainfield, IL earn a median of $99,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.38% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $103,022.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.90/hr = $59,779/year (purchasing power: $61,565).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,632/year (purchasing power: $102,608).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Plainfield grew 14.9% from $40.69/hr (2019) to $46.75/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.08/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Part-time physical therapists working in Plainfield can realize notable earnings depending on their schedules and settings. For those working a standard 24-hour week, the annual take-home pay is approximately $75,000, a significant income compared to other professions in the region. Per-diem physical therapists, however, often find their pay scales vary widely; they might bill $50-$75 per hour, while specialized roles in travel therapy can earn upwards of $1,800 to $2,800 per week, which includes additional stipends. Different types of employers also affect pay; while outpatient clinics may offer lower hourly wages, they often provide greater flexibility and fewer hours, whereas hospitals may offer steadier income but require commitment. Compensation also reflects the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits such as health insurance. Negotiating compensation in Plainfield can hinge on understanding these employer differences and determining how much value one places on stability versus the potential for higher pay.
More salary data for Plainfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Plainfield in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Plainfield?
Are physical therapists in Plainfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Plainfield?
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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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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