The Complete Career Guide for Physical Therapists in Cicero, IL

If you're considering a career move to Physical Therapy, you’re looking at a solid profession with strong demand. Cicero, IL, offers a unique blend of urban access and suburban affordability, making it an attractive option for PTs. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from your paycheck to your commute—using real data and local insights. We'll get into the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the day-to-day reality of working as a PT in this part of the Chicago metro area.

The Salary Picture: Where Cicero Stands

First, let's talk numbers. Physical Therapy is a stable, well-compensated field, and Cicero reflects that. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Cicero is $100,487/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $48.31/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $99,710/year, giving Cicero a slight edge. It’s a strong indicator that the local market values PT expertise, likely driven by the density of healthcare facilities in the greater Chicago metro area.

The job market here is competitive but growing. There are approximately 162 PT jobs available in the metro area, which includes Cicero and its immediate surroundings. The 10-year job growth projection is 14%, which is robust and aligns with national trends for an aging population and increased focus on rehabilitation services.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level, which is a critical factor in your earning potential:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Cicero)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$78,000 - $85,000	Typically starts in outpatient clinics or hospital rotations. Negotiation power is lower.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$95,000 - $110,000	You're at the median. Specializations (orthopedics, neuro) start to pay premiums.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$115,000 - $130,000	Leadership roles, specialized clinics, or high-demand settings (e.g., home health).
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$135,000+	Often involves academic roles, private practice ownership, or elite sports team roles.

Local Insight: The median of $100,487 is a realistic target for a mid-career PT. Entry-level might be a bit lower, but Cicero's proximity to Chicago means salaries can be more competitive than in more isolated rural areas of Illinois.

Comparison to Other IL Cities

Cicero holds its own against other Illinois cities. While Chicago itself has a higher cost of living and slightly higher salaries (often $105,000+), Cicero offers a compelling "value" proposition. In cities like Springfield or Peoria, salaries might be closer to the $90,000 - $95,000 range, but with a lower cost of living. Cicero sits in a sweet spot—higher than many downstate cities but with a more manageable cost than downtown Chicago. It’s a practical choice for PTs wanting metro-area opportunities without the downtown price tag.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning $100,487/year sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let’s break it down. This estimate assumes a single filer using standard deductions and the 2023-2024 tax brackets for Illinois (flat 4.95% state tax) and federal taxes.

Monthly Take-Home Pay Estimate:

• Gross Monthly: $8,374
• Estimated Taxes (Federal & State): ~$2,300
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,074

Now, let’s layer on Cicero’s cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cicero is $1,231/month. The Cost of Living Index is 102.6, meaning it's 2.6% more expensive than the U.S. average, largely due to housing and taxes.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Cicero PT (Earning Median Salary):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,231	A decent, modern apartment in a safe area.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, gas, water, and internet.
Groceries	$400	Shopping at local stores like Jewel-Osco or Pete's Fresh Market.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Illinois has average car insurance rates. A commute to Chicago is common.
Health Insurance	$250	Varies by employer, but a common premium share.
Misc. (Entertainment, Dining, etc.)	$500	Cicero has affordable local eateries and is close to Chicago for bigger nights out.
Savings/Debt	$3,093	The remaining amount. This is a strong position for saving or paying off student loans.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $3,000+ monthly surplus after a comfortable rent, a PT earning the median salary can comfortably save for a down payment. The median home price in Cicero is around $300,000 - $350,000 (for a 2-3 bedroom house). A 20% down payment ($60,000-$70,000) is achievable within 2-3 years of disciplined saving. This makes Cicero one of the more accessible Chicago suburbs for homeownership.

Where the Jobs Are: Cicero's Major Employers

Cicero is not an island; it's part of a dense healthcare network. Most PT jobs are in the surrounding areas, with a 10-20 minute commute being the norm. Here are the major employers you’ll encounter:

1. Rush University Medical Center (Nearby in Chicago): A top-tier academic hospital. They hire PTs for acute care, outpatient orthopedics, and neurology. Hiring is competitive; they often prefer candidates with clinical residencies or fellowships.
2. Advocate Christ Medical Center (Oak Lawn): A major trauma center with a massive rehab department. They have high demand for PTs in ICU, burn unit, and inpatient rehab. A great place to gain acute care experience.
3. Northwestern Medicine (Multiple Locations): Their outpatient network is extensive. Clinics in nearby Berwyn and La Grange often have openings. They emphasize evidence-based practice and offer good benefits.
4. Select Medical (Select Physical Therapy): This is one of the largest outpatient orthopedic employers in the region. They have clinics throughout Cicero, Berwyn, and surrounding suburbs. They are known for structured mentorship for new grads.
5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Ascension at Home, Kindred at Home): Home health is a growing sector. PTs visit patients in their homes across Cicero and Cook County. Pay can be higher due to mileage reimbursement and autonomy, but you need a reliable car.
6. Senior Living Facilities (e.g., The Clare in Chicago, local skilled nursing facilities in Cicero): With an aging population, there's steady demand for PTs in geriatrics. These roles focus on mobility, fall prevention, and post-acute care.
7. Private Practice & Specialty Clinics: Many smaller, specialized clinics exist for sports medicine, pelvic health, or vestibular therapy. These can offer higher pay for niche skills but may have less job security.

Hiring Trend: There's a noticeable shift towards outpatient orthopedics and home health, driven by healthcare cost containment. Acute care jobs are stable but harder to get without experience. New grads should target large outpatient chains (Select, ATI) or hospital-based rotations for their first job.

Getting Licensed in IL

Practicing as a PT in Illinois requires a license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Education: You must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
2. National Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The fee is $485.
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Illinois requires a jurisprudence exam covering state-specific laws and rules. The fee is $50.
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. The fee is approximately $50.
5. Application: Submit your application to the IDFPR online. The application fee is $180.

Timeline to Get Started: The entire process, from passing the NPTE to receiving your license, typically takes 3 to 6 months. If you’re moving from another state, Illinois is part of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact), which can streamline licensure if your home state is also a member, potentially reducing the timeline to 2-4 months.

Total Estimated Licensing Cost: $765 (without travel or study materials).

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Cicero is a town of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Living in Cicero itself is affordable, but many PTs choose to live in adjacent suburbs for the commute and lifestyle.

Neighborhood / Area	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why a PT Would Live Here
Cicero (Central)	Dense, urban, walkable. Close to work.	$1,100 - $1,300	Lowest rent, shortest commute to Cicero jobs. Great if you work at a local clinic or school.
Berwyn (East)	Trendy, "Toast of the Town" vibe. Directly east of Cicero.	$1,300 - $1,500	A popular choice for young professionals. Great restaurants, easy commute to both Cicero and Chicago.
La Grange (Southwest)	Family-friendly, classic suburb. Historic downtown.	$1,500 - $1,800	Excellent schools, quiet. Commute to Cicero is 15-20 mins via I-55. Ideal for those starting families.
Oak Park (North)	Diverse, liberal, and culturally rich.	$1,600 - $2,000	Walkable, great parks, but higher rent. Commute to Cicero is 20-30 mins. Best for those who value a vibrant community.
Chicago (Pilsen/Little Village)	Authentic, urban, thriving arts scene.	$1,400 - $1,700	Live in the city! Commute to Cicero is 20-30 mins via CTA bus or Metra. For the city lover who works in the suburb.

Insider Tip: For a new grad, living in Cicero or Berwyn maximizes networking. You’re close to multiple clinics and hospitals, making it easier to pick up extra hours or attend local PT events.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your starting salary is just the beginning. In Cicero, long-term growth is about specialization and strategic moves.

• Specialty Premiums: Earning board certification (OCS for Orthopedics, NCS for Neurology) can add 10-15% to your salary. In the Chicago area, OCS-certified PTs often earn $110,000+ even at mid-career levels.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Move from staff PT to Senior PT, Lead PT, or Clinic Director within a system like Select or Northwestern.
  2. Move to Management: Take on operational roles (Clinic Manager, Regional Director). This path often requires an MBA or MHA.
  3. Entrepreneurship: Start your own cash-based practice (e.g., pelvic health, sports performance). Cicero's lower overhead compared to Chicago makes this viable.
  4. Academia: Teach at a nearby program like the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) or Northwestern. Requires a DPT and often a PhD or advanced clinical experience.

10-Year Outlook: The demand for PTs in the Cicero area will remain strong. The 14% job growth is a solid indicator. The key will be adapting to value-based care models—where pay is tied to patient outcomes—and integrating telehealth. PTs who can demonstrate cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction will be in the highest demand.

The Verdict: Is Cicero Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary: Median of $100,487 is above national average.	High Taxes: Illinois has a flat income tax and high property taxes, which impact take-home pay.
Affordable Housing: Homeownership is achievable on a PT's salary.	Commute: Most high-level jobs are in Chicago or inner suburbs, requiring a commute (car or train).
Robust Job Market: 162 jobs in the metro with 14% growth.	Competitive Market: Top employers (Rush, Northwestern) are selective.
Cultural Access: Chicago is a 20-minute train ride away.	Winter Weather: Harsh winters can affect commute times and patient mobility.
Diverse Patient Population: Experience with urban, suburban, and immigrant communities.	Limited "Prestige": Cicero itself isn't a major medical hub; you need to commute for the top facilities.

Final Recommendation: Cicero is an excellent choice for a mid-career PT or a new grad who is pragmatic and values financial stability. The math works: you can live comfortably, save for a home, and have a short commute if you choose to live in Cicero or Berwyn. It’s less ideal for those seeking a purely academic or high-prestige hospital role right out of school, as those are more centralized in Chicago proper. For the PT who wants a balanced life with strong earning potential and access to a major city, Cicero is a smart, data-driven move.

FAQs

1. Will my out-of-state license transfer to Illinois?
If your home state is part of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact), the process is streamlined. You’ll still need to apply through the IDFPR and may need to take the jurisprudence exam, but you likely won’t need to retake the NPTE. Check the IDFPR website for the most current compact state list.

2. How competitive is the job market for new graduates?
It’s competitive but manageable. New grads should target large outpatient chains (Select, ATI) and hospital-based rotations (Advocate Christ, Rush). Having a clinical rotation in the area is a huge advantage. Networking via the Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) is highly recommended.

3. What’s the typical commute like for a Cicero-based PT?
Most PTs in Cicero work in the broader metro area. A commute to Chicago’s Loop or near north side is 20-40 minutes by car (traffic-dependent) or 30 minutes by Metra train from the Cicero station. Working locally in Cicero or Berwyn can mean a 5-15 minute drive.

4. Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
Yes. Home health agencies and large outpatient clinics often hire per-diem PTs to cover vacations or peak seasons. This can be a great way to supplement income or transition between jobs. Pay is typically higher (often $55-$65/hour) but without benefits.

5. How does the cost of living really compare to Chicago?
Cicero is significantly more affordable. A comparable 1-bedroom apartment in Chicago’s popular neighborhoods (Lakeview, Lincoln Park) would cost $1,800 - $2,200/month. While Cicero’s index is 102.6, Chicago’s is over 115. The savings on housing alone make Cicero a financially wiser choice for most PTs.