Hire Physical Therapists in Illinois
Illinois has 11,200 licensed physical therapists — ranking #7 nationally. Median salary: $103k. Healthcare jobs growing 5%.
Illinois ranks #7 of 51 states for physical therapists with 11,200 providers (291 per 100K residents, 273% above the national average of 78). Chicago leads with 5,940 providers. Average time-to-fill: ~35 days. Sign-on bonuses avg $15,000.
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Physical Therapists Salary & Compensation in Illinois
To recruit mid-career physical therapists in Illinois, target offers at $107,846+. Sign-on bonuses averaging $15,000 can help close competitive candidates. (Source: BLS OOH)
Physical Therapists Supply by City in Illinois
| City | Providers | Per 100K | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 5,940 | 220 | 2,700,000 |
| Aurora | 440 | 220 | 200,000 |
| Joliet | 330 | 220 | 150,000 |
| Naperville | 326 | 220 | 148,000 |
| Rockford | 319 | 220 | 145,000 |
| Springfield | 251 | 220 | 114,000 |
| Peoria | 246 | 220 | 112,000 |
| Elgin | 242 | 220 | 110,000 |
| Waukegan | 191 | 220 | 87,000 |
| Cicero | 185 | 220 | 84,000 |
10 cities in Illinois have physical therapists data. National average: 78 per 100K residents.
Illinois Recruiting Market Overview
Illinois ranks #7 of 51 states for physical therapists with 11,200 providers (291 per 100K residents, 273% above the national average of 78). Chicago leads with 5,940 providers.
Illinois is not a compact state — individual licensure required. NPs require physician collaboration agreements.
With 18.2% annual turnover, Illinois sees approximately 2,038 physical therapists position changes per year. Top retention factors: work-life balance (85%), competitive salary (82%), and supportive management (78%).
Average time-to-fill is ~35 days. Recruiters should factor in 60-120 days for hospital credentialing and 90-180 days for insurance paneling.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Hiring Physical Therapists in Illinois
How many physical therapists are in Illinois?
Illinois has 11,200 licensed physical therapists, ranking #7 nationally with 291 per 100K residents. Source: CMS NPPES NPI Registry.
What is the salary for physical therapists in Illinois?
The national median is $102,710. Entry-level: $78,000, Senior: $112,000. Sign-on bonuses averaging $15,000 are common for hard-to-fill roles. Source: BLS 2024.
Is Illinois a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
No, Illinois requires individual state licensure. The compact includes 42 member states.
Which cities in Illinois have the most physical therapists?
Top cities: Chicago (5,940), Aurora (440), Joliet (330). Chicago has 220 per 100K residents.
What is the turnover rate for physical therapists in Illinois?
Annual turnover averages 18.2%. Top exit reasons: burnout (35%), better pay (28%). Proactive retention programs reduce turnover 25-40%.
How long does recruiting physical therapists take?
Average time-to-fill is ~35 days (low competition). Hospital credentialing adds 60-120 days. Start the process early to avoid staffing gaps.
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