Physical Therapist Jobs in Illinois
Physical Therapist jobs in Illinois are in strong and consistent demand, with openings concentrated in hospital systems, outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric rehabilitation settings at every experience level from new graduate through clinic director. Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford account for the largest share of postings, with major employers including Northwestern Medicine, OSF HealthCare, and Advocate Health driving significant hiring volume statewide. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois are orthopedic and sports rehab, neurological rehabilitation, and geriatric care. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Licensed Physical Therapist at Riverside Healthcare provides expert evaluation and treatment to patients experiencing challenges with mobility, function, and daily living skills due to injury, illness, or disability. The role involves developing individualized treatment plans that address patient needs, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and guiding patients toward their goals of improved independence and quality of life. The Licensed Physical Therapist is an essential member of the rehabilitation team, committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.
Essential Duties
- Perform comprehensive evaluations of patients to assess their physical, cognitive, and functional abilities.
- Develop customized treatment plans that address the patient's unique needs, focusing on improving mobility, strength, coordination, and daily living skills.
- Provide direct therapeutic interventions, including exercises, activities, and use of adaptive equipment to help patients achieve their rehabilitation goals.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, and other therapists, to ensure coordinated and effective patient care.
- Educate patients and their families about therapy goals, techniques, and ways to continue progress outside of therapy sessions.
- Monitor and document patient progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed to optimize outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with all healthcare regulations, safety protocols, and documentation standards.
- Supervise and provide guidance to Physical Therapist Assistants and other support staff as needed.
- Meets the following productivity percentage on outpatient and inpatient rehab and Acute: less than or equal to 79.99 (NI), 80-83.99 (meets), greater that 84 (exceeds).
- Participates in Quality Improvement efforts, e.g., Journal Clubs, in-services, Magnet, chart auditing, etc.
- As a salaried professional, you may be expected to work above your FTE.
- Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.
- Participate in physical therapy care team meetings, case conferences, and continuing education to stay current with best practices in occupational therapy.
Non-essential Duties
- Perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering phones, and filing paperwork as needed.
- Assist with inventory management by restocking supplies and reporting equipment needs.
- Actively participates in designated marketing programs (inpatient or outpatient)
- Contributes to community health initiatives and educational programs.
- Provide mentorship or support to physical therapy interns or new staff as needed.
- Engage in ongoing professional development through attending workshops, conferences, and other educational opportunities.
Preferred Experience
- Prior experience in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting is preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
- Ability to lift and move patients and equipment safely, and to assist with mobility needs as required.
- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills with attention to detail and patient safety
Required Licensure/Education
- Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program with a Bachelor, Doctorate or Masters degree in Physical Therapy.
- Current state licensure as Physical Therapist in the state of Illinois.
Our Commitment to You:
Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more so your journey at and away from work is remarkable. Our Total Rewards package includes:
Compensation
- Base compensation within the positions pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
- Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
- Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Benefits - .5 to 1.0 FTE
- Paid Time Off programs
- Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
- Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
- Educational Assistance Program
Benefits - .001 to .49 FTE:
- Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work
Employee Health Requirements
Exposure to:
- Chemicals: Clorazine, Virex, Germicidal wipes, Liquid paper.
- Video Display Terminals: Average
- Blood and Body Fluids: Overall, there is a minimal risk of exposure to blood and body fluid. Potential risk would be in the event of patient incontinence and open wounds treated in hydrotherapy. There is also some potential for risk in equipment failure such as a catheter or IV breaking.
- TB or Airborne Pathogens: Minimal.
Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):
- Speech: Needed for communication with patients and staff.
- Vision: Needed for reading and patient observation.
- Smell: N/A
- Hearing: Needed for patient communication.
- Touch: Needed for patient evaluation and treatment, writing.
Activity/Lifting Requirements
Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:
- Sit: 10%
- Twist: 5%
- Stand: 30%
- Crawl: 0%
- Walk: 30%
- Kneel: 2%
- Lift: 10%
- Drive: 0%
- Squat: 5%
- Climb: 0%
- Bend: 5%
- Reach above shoulders: 5%
The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:
- Up to 10 lbs: Occasionally
- Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
- Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally
- Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally
- Up to 75 lbs: Occasionally
- Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
- Over 100 lbs: Not Required
Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):
Demonstration of proper mechanics for lift/carry; set-up for evaluations, treatment programs.
Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during ring the normal workday for each activity:
- Sit: 60
- Twist: <5>
- Stand: 45
- Crawl: <5>
- Walk: 30
- Kneel: <5>
- Lift: <10>
- Drive: <15>
- Squat: <5>
- Climb: <5>
- Bend: 0
- Reach above shoulders: <5>
- Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):
- Simple grasp up to 15 lbs. Normal weight: Often
- Pushing &pulling Normal weight: 50-200#
- Fine Manipulation: Key boarding &writing
- Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control:
Environmental Factors & Special Hazards
- Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
- Inside hours: 7.5
- Outside hours : .5
- Temperature: Normal Range Lighting: Average
- Noise levels: Average Humidity: Normal Range
- Atmosphere:
- Special Hazards: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical: General use of exercise equipment and computers, modalities. Chemical additives for whirlpools, disinfectants.
- Protective Clothing Required: Gown, gloves or mask when indicated.
The Licensed Physical Therapist at Riverside Healthcare provides expert evaluation and treatment to patients experiencing challenges with mobility, function, and daily living skills due to injury, illness, or disability. The role involves developing individualized treatment plans that address patient needs, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and guiding patients toward their goals of improved independence and quality of life. The Licensed Physical Therapist is an essential member of the rehabilitation team, committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.
Essential Duties
- Perform comprehensive evaluations of patients to assess their physical, cognitive, and functional abilities.
- Develop customized treatment plans that address the patient's unique needs, focusing on improving mobility, strength, coordination, and daily living skills.
- Provide direct therapeutic interventions, including exercises, activities, and use of adaptive equipment to help patients achieve their rehabilitation goals.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, and other therapists, to ensure coordinated and effective patient care.
- Educate patients and their families about therapy goals, techniques, and ways to continue progress outside of therapy sessions.
- Monitor and document patient progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed to optimize outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with all healthcare regulations, safety protocols, and documentation standards.
- Supervise and provide guidance to Physical Therapist Assistants and other support staff as needed.
- Meets the following productivity percentage on outpatient and inpatient rehab and Acute: less than or equal to 79.99 (NI), 80-83.99 (meets), greater that 84 (exceeds).
- Participates in Quality Improvement efforts, e.g., Journal Clubs, in-services, Magnet, chart auditing, etc.
- As a salaried professional, you may be expected to work above your FTE.
- Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.
- Participate in physical therapy care team meetings, case conferences, and continuing education to stay current with best practices in occupational therapy.
Non-essential Duties
- Perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering phones, and filing paperwork as needed.
- Assist with inventory management by restocking supplies and reporting equipment needs.
- Actively participates in designated marketing programs (inpatient or outpatient)
- Contributes to community health initiatives and educational programs.
- Provide mentorship or support to physical therapy interns or new staff as needed.
- Engage in ongoing professional development through attending workshops, conferences, and other educational opportunities.
Preferred Experience
- Prior experience in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting is preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
- Ability to lift and move patients and equipment safely, and to assist with mobility needs as required.
- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills with attention to detail and patient safety
Required Licensure/Education
- Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program with a Bachelor, Doctorate or Masters degree in Physical Therapy.
- Current state licensure as Physical Therapist in the state of Illinois.
Our Commitment to You:
Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more so your journey at and away from work is remarkable. Our Total Rewards package includes:
Compensation
- Base compensation within the positions pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
- Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
- Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Benefits - .5 to 1.0 FTE
- Paid Time Off programs
- Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
- Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
- Educational Assistance Program
Benefits - .001 to .49 FTE:
- Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work
Employee Health Requirements
Exposure to:
- Chemicals: Clorazine, Virex, Germicidal wipes, Liquid paper.
- Video Display Terminals: Average
- Blood and Body Fluids: Overall, there is a minimal risk of exposure to blood and body fluid. Potential risk would be in the event of patient incontinence and open wounds treated in hydrotherapy. There is also some potential for risk in equipment failure such as a catheter or IV breaking.
- TB or Airborne Pathogens: Minimal.
Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):
- Speech: Needed for communication with patients and staff.
- Vision: Needed for reading and patient observation.
- Smell: N/A
- Hearing: Needed for patient communication.
- Touch: Needed for patient evaluation and treatment, writing.
Activity/Lifting Requirements
Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:
- Sit: 10%
- Twist: 5%
- Stand: 30%
- Crawl: 0%
- Walk: 30%
- Kneel: 2%
- Lift: 10%
- Drive: 0%
- Squat: 5%
- Climb: 0%
- Bend: 5%
- Reach above shoulders: 5%
The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:
- Up to 10 lbs: Occasionally
- Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
- Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally
- Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally
- Up to 75 lbs: Occasionally
- Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
- Over 100 lbs: Not Required
Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):
Demonstration of proper mechanics for lift/carry; set-up for evaluations, treatment programs.
Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during ring the normal workday for each activity:
- Sit: 60
- Twist: <5>
- Stand: 45
- Crawl: <5>
- Walk: 30
- Kneel: <5>
- Lift: <10>
- Drive: <15>
- Squat: <5>
- Climb: <5>
- Bend: 0
- Reach above shoulders: <5>
- Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):
- Simple grasp up to 15 lbs. Normal weight: Often
- Pushing &pulling Normal weight: 50-200#
- Fine Manipulation: Key boarding &writing
- Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control:
Environmental Factors & Special Hazards
- Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
- Inside hours: 7.5
- Outside hours : .5
- Temperature: Normal Range Lighting: Average
- Noise levels: Average Humidity: Normal Range
- Atmosphere:
- Special Hazards: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical: General use of exercise equipment and computers, modalities. Chemical additives for whirlpools, disinfectants.
- Protective Clothing Required: Gown, gloves or mask when indicated.
See All 83 Physical Therapist Jobs in Illinois
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Find Physical Therapist JobsPhysical Therapist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Enhance Rehabilitation10
- ATI Physical Therapy7
- Olympia Fields Hospital4O
- HiredFirst3H
- HealthPRO Heritage3
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Insurance
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in physical therapist jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois physical therapist license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited program
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support certification required at time of hire
- Experience with electronic medical records systems such as Epic or Cerner
- Strong clinical documentation skills and familiarity with insurance authorization processes
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary care teams
Physical Therapist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a physical therapist in Illinois?
You become a physical therapist in Illinois by earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, then passing the National Physical Therapy Examination and applying for licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Illinois requires applicants to submit proof of degree completion, examination scores, and a background check before a license is issued. Once licensed, you must renew every two years and complete continuing education to maintain active status.
How much do physical therapists make in Illinois?
Physical therapists in Illinois earn a median of about $105,250 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $83,000 for the lowest 10% to over $140,410 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire physical therapists in Illinois?
Employers hiring physical therapists in Illinois right now include Enhance Rehabilitation, ATI Physical Therapy, and Olympia Fields Hospital, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's large integrated health systems and regional rehabilitation networks tend to post openings year-round, particularly in outpatient orthopedic and post-acute care settings.
Which Illinois cities have the most physical therapist jobs?
Chicago, Arlington Heights, and Olympia Fields have the most physical therapist job openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to the concentration of major academic medical centers, sports medicine clinics, and rehabilitation hospitals, while Peoria and Rockford reflect strong regional health systems like OSF HealthCare and SwedishAmerican that serve large surrounding populations and maintain steady hiring pipelines outside the Chicago metro.
Are there remote physical therapist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Physical therapy is fundamentally a hands-on clinical profession, which limits remote opportunities significantly. About 0% of physical therapist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those roles tend to involve telehealth consultations, care coordination, or clinical education rather than direct patient treatment.
How can I get hired as a physical therapist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to new-graduate residency programs, which large Illinois systems like Northwestern Medicine and Advocate Health run in orthopedic and acute care specialties. Positions listed as physical therapist assistant, rehab tech, or aide at outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities also give candidates hands-on clinical exposure while completing licensure. Having your Illinois IDFPR license in hand before applying, even without prior PT-specific work history, significantly improves your chances with Illinois employers.
Where can I find and apply to physical therapist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to physical therapist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience level and preferred setting, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 83 Physical Therapist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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