Introduction
If you’re a Physical Therapist exploring your next move, Chicago, IL offers a dynamic and diverse market—rich with clinical settings, high-caliber providers, and evolving patient needs. The vibrant metro alongside the region’s emphasis on healthcare innovation makes this city a strong option for growing your Physical Therapy career. In this post, we’ll dig into market trends, salary benchmarks, top employers, lifestyle factors, and how you can share your resume for roles in the area.
Physical Therapy Job Market in Chicago
Demand, Salary Trends & Outlook
- There are hundreds of open Physical Therapist roles in the Chicago region — for example, over 870 Physical Therapist jobs listed recently in the Chicago, IL area. Glassdoor+2
- Salary data for Physical Therapists in Chicago shows variation across sources:
- The average annual salary is around $107,293 with hourly rate about $52. Salary.com
- Another source reports a 2025 mean of ~$108,033/year (≈$52/hour) for Chicago. Salary Expert
- PayScale gives a lower baseline of median ~$79k/year (but that may reflect smaller sample size or earlier career levels). Payscale
- Given the range, you can expect an early-to-mid-career Physical Therapist in Chicago to land somewhere in the $90k-$120k annual salary range, depending on setting, specialization, and employer.
- The employment outlook remains solid. The volume of open positions indicates active hiring; also, the aging population, increased focus on rehabilitation and outpatient services support ongoing demand.
- Tip: Candidates with advanced skills (neurologic rehab, outpatient orthopedic, home-health PT) may stand out and access higher compensation tiers.
Featured Employer for Physical Therapists in Chicago
Please see below for more information regarding a featured employer of Physical Therapists in Chicago, IL:
Living and Working in Chicago
Chicago offers more than just job opportunities—it gives a unique lifestyle and infrastructure for therapists:
- As a major metropolitan area, Chicago offers access to cultural amenities, public transit, academic institutions, continuing education resources and large healthcare networks.
- Cost of living is higher than many smaller cities, so when comparing job offers, consider salary and benefits (sign-on bonuses, licensure reimbursement, scheduling flexibility). For example, one source notes Chicago’s cost of living is about 42 % above U.S. average. Salary Expert
- Work settings vary widely — from downtown hospital campuses, suburban clinics, mobile rehab/home health, to outpatient specialty practices—so you can find a schedule and environment that align with your lifestyle.
- Networking opportunities are extensive—professional associations, local PT meet-ups, academic conferences all run through the Chicago corridor.
- Consider commuting, parking, and transit when evaluating roles in the city. Some suburban roles may offer more predictable hours and parking than downtown hospital schedules.
Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Chicago, IL
Ready to share your resume and explore Physical Therapist opportunities in Chicago? Browse our site for current Physical Therapist job openings tailored to the Chicago area and submit your resume today!
Closing Note
Whether you’re early in your Physical Therapy career or looking for a new setting, Chicago presents a compelling blend of salary potential, employer diversity and professional growth. Tailor your resume to highlight your specialty interests (ortho, neuro, outpatient, home health), target one of the key employers listed, and leverage the strong market to your advantage.