Champaign vs Chicago: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Champaign, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,107 | $74,202▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.34 | $35.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,931 | $42,736▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,341 | $63,621▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,004 | $77,941▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,869 | $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 Champaign.
The salary gap between Champaign and Chicago is $11,095 (17.58%). 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 Champaign spans $43,938,Chicago spans $42,407. Champaign has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($71,627 effective) pays 5.22% more than Champaign ($68,074 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign 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 Champaign grew -3.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.8% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$63,420 (2019) → $61,430 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$61,830 (2019) → $72,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Champaign or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Champaign to Chicago as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Champaign vs Chicago?
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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