Physical Therapist Salary in Evanston, IL: $102,451 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Evanston, IL earns a median $102,451/year (≈ $49.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Evanston's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $105,511 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Evanston, Illinois, are projected to earn a median salary of $102,451, reflecting a competitive landscape within the region. Their earnings range significantly, from $73,912 at the 10th percentile to $138,118 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, consider local economic factors and adjustments pertinent to the area. The emergence of cash-pay models, particularly among sports and orthopedic specialists, is narrowing the wage gaps, allowing experienced therapists to command higher salaries within private practice settings. This shift is contributing to a dynamic job market for physical therapists in Evanston, attracting professionals eager to maximize their compensation.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,912 | $35.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,886 | $39.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,451 | $49.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,593 | $59.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $138,118 | $66.40 |
Median Salary Position
2.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evanston
In Evanston, IL, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,206 (2026 est.). At $102,451, the local median is 2.69% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Evanston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Evanston Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Evanston median: $102,451/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Evanston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,069 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -2.69% less |
Physical Therapists in Evanston, IL earn a median of $102,451 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.69% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $103,069.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Evanston has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Evanston, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $102,451 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,511 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,030
2025 BLS Actual
$99,991
2026 Current Est.
$102,451
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,558 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,043 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,087 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,023 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,694 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,991 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,451 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,971 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Evanston metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $87,030 (2019) to $99,991 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,971 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,941 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $73,912 – $82,886 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,886 – $102,451 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,451 – $123,593 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,593 – $138,118 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Evanston
The local job market consists of 16 physical therapists, indicating a small yet significant community of specialists contributing to the healthcare sector. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, Evanston provides a slightly below-average living expense, which may enhance the effective earning potential of these therapists. Outpatient clinics, such as Athletico and ATI, tend to offer competitive pay structures, often incentivized through productivity bonuses. Increased earnings can also stem from board certifications, like the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), which can command a stipend. In Evanston, maximizing income may require savvy practice ownership negotiations, understanding the cash-pay versus insurance dynamics, and being proactive in continuing education for specialization. Emphasizing these strategies can significantly elevate physical therapist pay in Evanston, IL.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Evanston, IL in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Evanston?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Evanston?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $99,991 for physical therapistsin the Evanston metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evanston 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