Bloomington vs Chicago: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Bloomington, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,217 | $74,202▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.43 | $35.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,862▲ | $42,736 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,567 | $63,621▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,021 | $77,941▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,746 | $85,143▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 3,520▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bloomington.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Chicago is $12,985 (21.21%). Chicago's median is +5.63% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $35,884,Chicago spans $42,407. Chicago has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($71,627 effective) pays 9.44% more than Bloomington ($65,447 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,202/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,143)
- ✓Larger job market (3,520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,627)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Bloomington grew 31.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 16.8% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Bloomington, IL
$45,310 (2020) → $59,590 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$61,830 (2019) → $72,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Bloomington or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Chicago as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Bloomington vs Chicago?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov