Shirley Ryan AbilityLab logo
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Chicago, Illinois

Physical Therapist - Adult & Pediatric -DayRehab Center- Full time

Physical TherapistIncludes weekendsFull-Time

Listed compensation

$83k-$120k

Listing transparency3 of 6 stated

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

Employment & setting
Full-Time
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Includes weekends
Posted 1h ago · Verified live

Job Description

Department

Streeterville DayRehab Center

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: https://www.sralab.org/benefits

Job Description Summary

The Physical Therapist will assist patients in reaching maximum physical performance while adjusting to disabilities. Treats disabled patients using standard physical therapy therapeutic interventions such as heat, cold, electricity, traction, ultrasound and exercise. Evaluates patient motor and neurological capabilities and adapts physical therapy program as appropriate.

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:

Evaluates patient's physical and functional status including muscular strength, motor functions, reflexes, ambulation skills and ability to perform activities of daily living.

Observes and interviews patient, reviews medical history, and administers sensory tests, muscle tests, range-of-motion exams, and other evaluation techniques.

Determines suitability for treatment based on patient evaluation results, including such physical therapy treatment modalities as whirlpool, ultrasounds, massage, biofeedback, paraffin and prosthetics/orthotics and/or monitors or administers the application of treatment.

Evaluates patient’s current pain levels (0-10) and history of recent pain experience; provides appropriate pain education and intervention in consultation with physician and pain specialists as needed; provides ongoing assessment of pain and implementation of tools for management.

Establishes therapy goals, and formulates a treatment plan including exercise, modalities, balance activities, and gait training.

Discusses evaluation, goals, and treatment with patient and family and instructs them on the exercise program and in use of equipment.

  • Participates in patient discharge planning including developing an in-home program when appropriate.
  • Documents patient evaluation and progress, maintaining records for physicians and insurance carriers.

Determines and orders appropriate devices necessary to assist patients in performing physical activities such as wheelchairs, canes, crutches and prosthetic and orthopedic devices.

  • May participate in the Department education program by teaching and supervising students.
  • Participates in research projects as needed.
  • 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-Innovation Center, Therapy Manager-AbilityLab.

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 certification required.
  • Understanding of the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent and geriatric patients.
  • Ability to interpret growth and development related information to assure patient needs are met.

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 budgets, and assess new programs and recommend changes.

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.

Key Responsibilities

The Physical Therapist evaluates and treats patients to improve physical performance and motor function using various therapeutic interventions. They also collaborate with families and medical teams to develop treatment plans, document progress, and participate in discharge planning.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution and possess a valid Illinois state license. Current CPR certification and the ability to perform physical tasks such as patient transfers are also required.

Qualifications

Education
Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)

Key Skills

RehabilitationNeurological AssessmentPain ManagementExercise PrescriptionTherapeutic ModalitiesDocumentationPatient Education

Pediatrics — Physical Therapist Career Context

In Illinois, the Pediatrics weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$90k (11 salary observations; 16 listings), vs ~$93k nationally (100 salary observations; 267 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-03-01 through 2026-09-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.

Of the 50 active Pediatrics listings this role was benchmarked against, 42% have no call, 80% require no weekends.

Pediatrics pay on WeekdayDoc is up 4.3% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).

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).

Top Physical Therapist Jobs

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Salary Distribution38 jobs · 31 employers

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Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks37 jobs · 31 employers

401k / retirement match
95%
CME allowance
70% this job
Sign-on bonus
49%
Loan repayment
27% this job
Relocation assistance
3%

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Work-life snapshot

4.5/ 10
Listing-based score
  • Includes weekends

Living in Chicago

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$356k
Typical market rent
$2,342/mo
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.

City-level figures. 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

Up to 25 days PTO plus 6 holidays
Continuing education and approved CEUs
50% reimbursement up to $1,000 for advanced certifications
Tuition Assistance up to $5,250 annually
Health, Dental, Vision coverage
Wellness and mental health support
Annual merit-based pay reviews
Differential pay for evening/weekend shifts