Physical Therapist Salary in Rock Island, IL: $102,055 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Rock Island, IL earns a median $102,055/year (≈ $49.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Rock Island's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $105,103 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist salary in Rock Island, IL, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $102,055, which is slightly below the national median of $105,288. This compensation level reflects a broad salary range from $75,485 at the 10th percentile to $126,678 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant pay variation dependent on factors like practice type and experience. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data highlight the competitive dynamics between outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital-based settings. Physical therapists in Rock Island can expect variations in salary influenced by factors such as the structure of their employer, with outpatient clinics often offering different compensation models compared to skilled nursing facilities and hospitals.
About the Rock Island Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,485 | $36.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,743 | $43.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,055 | $49.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,126 | $56.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,678 | $60.90 |
Median Salary Position
3.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rock Island
In Rock Island, IL, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,193 (2026 est.). At $102,055, the local median is 3.07% below the national median of $105,288.
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At 40 hours/week in Rock Island: You'd be above the median
How Rock Island Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Rock Island median: $102,055/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rock Island Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $102,982 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -3.07% less |
Physical Therapists in Rock Island, IL earn a median of $102,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.07% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.90% below the Illinois state average of $102,982.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rock Island 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.
Rock Island, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $102,055 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,103 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,694
2025 BLS Actual
$99,605
2026 Current Est.
$102,055
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Rock Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,694 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,216 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,684 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,649 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,597 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,605 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,055 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,566 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rock Island metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $86,694 (2019) to $99,605 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,566 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,872 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Island 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) | $75,485 – $89,743 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,743 – $102,055 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,055 – $117,126 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,126 – $126,678 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Rock Island
The job market in Rock Island currently employs five physical therapists, indicating a small but stable demand. With a cost-of-living index at 97.1, compensation here is slightly lower than the national average, which can influence take-home buying power and overall lifestyle. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI and Athletico may offer a blend of base pay and productivity bonuses, while hospitals could provide more comprehensive benefits packages. The disparity in salaries is often driven by productivity expectations, which may mandate a specific number of patient visits per day. Additionally, those possessing board certifications (OCS or SCS) or involved in cash-pay practices may command higher salaries. To maximize their earning potential in Rock Island, physical therapists should consider specializing, seeking clinic ownership opportunities, or tapping into travel PT roles, which frequently command higher rates due to unique demands.
More salary data for Rock Island, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $99,605 for physical therapistsin the Rock Island 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 Rock Island 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