Senior Physical Therapist Salary in Moline, IL: $128,431 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapists working in Moline, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $128,431/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1123. Strip back Moline's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $132,267 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Looking to maximize earning potential in Moline, an experienced physical therapist can aspire to a competitive annual salary that ranges significantly based on expertise and specialization. With the median projected salary at $103,661 for 2026, those at the upper echelons of the pay scale can command salaries reaching as high as $128,431. This $24,770 gap between the median and top earners illustrates the experience premium available in this market. To reach such heights, professionals often pursue advanced credentials, specialize in high-demand areas, or gain extensive management experience that positions them among the top physical therapist salaries in Moline.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Experienced physical therapists at the top of the pay scale in Moline earn between $120,742 and $128,431 per year (2026 est.). This $49,501 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moline median of $103,661 sits 1.55% below the US median.
Top PT Salary Comparison
| Level | Moline | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $103,661 | $105,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,742 | $124,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $128,431 | $138,464 |
In Moline, experienced physical therapists (P90) earn 23.90% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Pay in Moline
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL physical therapists with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $103,661 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moline employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Moline command premium compensation, often reaching the $120,742–$128,431 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moline metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapists in Moline with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapists in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Moline
Clinical Physical Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoline ranks #48 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner physical therapist salary (90th percentile: $128,431).
Top 10% physical therapist compensation in Moline ($128,431) is 10.85% below the Illinois average P90 ($144,066).
2019 BLS Actual
$115,701
2025 BLS Actual
$125,347
2026 Current Est.
$128,431
2019–2027 Growth
+13.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,701 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,593 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,899 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,494 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,699 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,347 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,431 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,590 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapists (90th percentile) in Moline saw their compensation grow 8.3% from $115,701 in 2019 to $125,347 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.46% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $131,590 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Earnings in Moline
Senior physical therapists in IL see their pay influenced heavily by their chosen areas of specialization, such as orthopedic, sports, and neurologic therapy, which tend to command premium compensation. Employment settings also impact earnings; outpatient clinics often offer incentives tied to productivity and patient volume, while hospitals may provide more stable salaries but less in the way of bonuses. Leadership opportunities such as clinic director or faculty roles in DPT programs can further elevate earnings beyond base salaries. Moreover, advanced qualifications, including a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and board-certified specialties, augment earning potential significantly. As the field shifts toward more cash-pay models versus traditional insurance reimbursement, those who are adaptable and strategically positioned can optimize their compensation packages—and find greater fulfillment in their roles in Moline's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapists make in Moline in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist pay in Moline?
What certifications boost physical therapist salary in Moline?
Can experienced physical therapists make six figures in Moline?
How much does physical therapist salary increase over time in Moline?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $125,347 for physical therapists in the Moline metro area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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