HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Physical Therapist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$147,242/yr
Typical range: $137,992 – $162,611
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$147,242
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $71/hr
Next Level Target
$169,329
Principal · 14
+$22Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
58/100
Moderate
+17% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Physical Therapist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Physical Therapists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $147K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Physical Therapist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $147K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $71/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Physical Therapist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Physical Therapist in Chicago, IL earns $138K–$163K/yr.