HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Physical Therapist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$80,523/yr
Typical range: $81,376 – $95,894
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Physical Therapist salary by experience level in Chicago
Physical Therapist Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $80,523 | $6,710 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $98,928 | $8,244 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $109,665 | $9,139 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $121,475 | $10,123 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $147,242 | $12,270 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $169,329 | $14,111 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $174,850 | $14,571 | +117% |
Current Salary
$80,523
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $39/hr
Next Level Target
$98,928
Junior · 2
+$18Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
58/100
Moderate
+17% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Physical Therapist salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Physical Therapists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $81K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Physical Therapist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $81K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $39/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Physical Therapist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Physical Therapist in Chicago, IL earns $138K–$163K/yr.