Physical Therapist Salary in Chicago, IL
Physical Therapist salary data for Chicago, IL — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Physical Therapist Salary in Chicago, IL — 2026
The median Physical Therapist salary in Chicago, IL is $96,300 per year ($8,025/month, $46/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 107, which is 7% above the national average.
Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay in Chicago
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $96,300 |
| Federal Tax | -$12,800 |
| State Tax (5.0%) | -$4,767 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$7,367 |
| Annual Take-Home | $71,366 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $5,947 |
Living Cost Comparison
Physical Therapist Requirements
Key Skills
Chicago Job Market Overview
Chicago, Illinois has a population of 2,696,555 and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The top industries are Finance, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.5%, and the average commute time is 35 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Chicago, IL?
How much does a Physical Therapist take home in Chicago after taxes?
Is Chicago a good city for Physical Therapists?
What skills are needed for a Physical Therapist in Chicago?
How does Physical Therapist salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Physical Therapist salary in Chicago, IL is $96,300 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Physical Therapists earn around $79,180, while senior-level professionals can earn $125,190 or more.
How much does a Physical Therapist take home in Chicago after taxes?
A Physical Therapist earning the median salary of $96,300 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $71,366 per year ($5,947/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 25.9%.
Is Chicago a good city for Physical Therapists?
Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Physical Therapists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Physical Therapist in Chicago?
Key skills for Physical Therapists include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Gait Analysis, Pain Management, Rehabilitation. Typical education requirement is Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Valuable certifications include NPTE, State Licensure, OCS Certification.
How does Physical Therapist salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
The national median Physical Therapist salary is $90,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $96,300, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.