Shirley Ryan AbilityLab logo
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Chicago, Illinois

Physical Therapist - Flex

Physical TherapistIncludes weekendsFull-Time

Listed compensation

$82.8K - $120K

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and nights and shift pattern.

Posted 3mo ago

Job Description

Department:

Type of employment: Full time Shift: Pay and Benefits*: Pay Range: $82,800.00 annually - $120,000.00 annually Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 25 days of PTO plus 6 holidays per year to recharge, travel, and focus on what matters most. Professional Growth & Learning: Continuing education and approved CEUs for PT/OT/SLP, plus 50% reimbursement (up to $1,000) for advanced certifications.

Tuition Assistance: Up to $5,250 annually in tuition reimbursement to support your next degree. Career Advancement: Opportunities to grow within clinical/research specialties and leadership pathways across SRAlab’s integrated care teams.

Wellness + Balance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, robust wellness and mental health support. Recognition + Rewards: Annual merit-based pay reviews and opportunities for differential pay for evening/weekend shifts.

Loan Forgiveness Eligibility: Qualify for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a team that transforms lives.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: sralab.org Job Description Summary The Physical Therapist serves as a clinical expert in optimizing patient function and mobility through scientifically validated interventions.

This role emphasizes the integration of current research, outcome-driven methodologies, and patient-centered care to promote recovery and adaptation to physical limitations.

The Physical Therapist will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Physical Therapist will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Job Description The Physical Therapist will: Conducts advanced evaluations of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems using validated assessment tools to inform individualized treatment plans. Determines suitability for treatment based on patient evaluation results.

Delivers therapeutic interventions based on the latest clinical research and best practice standards. Designs and continuously adapts rehabilitation programs based on patient progress, emerging evidence, and functional outcome measures.

Establishes patient centered and functional therapy goals utilizing evidence-based outcome measurement tools. Discusses evaluation results, goals, and treatment plans with patient, providing education and support as needed.

Leads and participates in patient discharge planning including developing an in-home program when appropriate. Documents patient evaluation and progress, maintaining compliant records for physician communication, insurance carriers, and regulatory agencies.

Prescribes and recommends appropriate devices necessary to assist patients in performing physical activities such as wheelchairs, mobility aides, bath equipment, and prosthetic and orthopedic devices. Partners with physicians and other providers to complete DME delivery and fitting.

Supports the development of future professionals by supervising and guiding physical therapy students in accordance with academic standards and evidence-based practice. Supports innovation in rehabilitation by collaborating on research projects and integrating emerging evidence into clinical practice.

Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Reporting Relationships Reports directly to assigned Clinical Manager, Therapy Manager, or Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and physical therapy treatments and modalities at a level normally acquired through completion of Doctoral degree from an accredited school of physical therapy. Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.

Current CPR or BLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross required. Understanding of the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent and geriatric patients.

Interpersonal skills to interact with physicians, patients and families in providing therapy and exchanging patient progress information.

Analytical ability to determine priorities, provide input regarding the development of departmental policies, procedures and clinical best practices Ability to lift 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds frequently to transfer and position patients.

Working Conditions Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature. Some exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients. May include exposure to community, home, work, school and off-site clinic settings.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Employer Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an

Equal Employment Opportunity

Employer.

All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law.

EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions.

By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion.

You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.

Key Responsibilities

The Physical Therapist conducts advanced evaluations and delivers evidence-based therapeutic interventions to optimize patient function and mobility. They design individualized rehabilitation programs and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to manage patient recovery and discharge planning.

Requirements

Requires a Doctoral degree from an accredited physical therapy school and a valid license to practice in the State of Illinois. Candidates must hold current CPR or BLS certification and possess the physical ability to transfer and position patients.

Qualifications

Education
Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Rehabilitation PlanningDME PrescriptionClinical Research IntegrationPatient EducationNeuromuscular AssessmentMusculoskeletal AssessmentCardiovascular AssessmentStudent Supervision

Physical Therapist Career Context

Of the 50 active Physical Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 54% have no call, 56% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$101k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $101k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Physical Therapist - Flex at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab a 6.8 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the Above average in Physical Therapy — ranked against 22,017 active Physical Therapy listings on WeekdayDoc.

Top Physical Therapist Jobs

37 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution37 jobs · 22 employers

10
<$105k
21
$105k-120k
2
$120k-135k
2
$140k
2
$150k+

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks36 jobs · 22 employers

401k / retirement match
97% this job
CME allowance
69% this job
Sign-on bonus
67%
Loan repayment
22% this job
Relocation assistance
6%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Physical Therapist

Home Care Providers Group · Yuba City, California

Salary Range: $165000.00
#2

Physical Therapist (PT) Home Health | $150,000 Annual Salary (Redding)

Home Care Providers Group · Yuba City, California

$150k-$160k
#3

Physical Therapist - Studio City

$90k-$140k
#4

Physical Therapist - West Hollywood

$90k-$140k
+ 35 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 4.8this job 6.8
Better work-life than 70% of Physical Therapy listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 22,017 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Includes weekends

Living in Chicago

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$356k≈ 4.3× annual pay
Typical market rent
$2,342/mo≈ 34% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
33 min
State income tax
Up to 5%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab logo

About Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Hospitals and Health Care
Chicago, Illinois
1,001-5,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off (25 days + 6 holidays)
Continuing Education (up to $1,000 reimbursement)
Tuition Assistance (up to $5,250/year)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible