Chicago vs Bloomington: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Chicago, IL and Bloomington, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Bloomington, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,202▲ | $61,217 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.68▲ | $29.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,736 | $44,862▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,621▲ | $55,567 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,941▲ | $67,021 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,143▲ | $80,746 |
| Total Employed | 3,520▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bloomington.
The salary gap between Chicago and Bloomington 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 Chicago spans $42,407,Bloomington spans $35,884. Chicago 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 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 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
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Chicago grew 16.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Bloomington over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$61,830 (2019) → $72,230 (2025)
Bloomington, IL
$45,310 (2020) → $59,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Bloomington, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Chicago or Bloomington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Bloomington?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Bloomington as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Chicago vs Bloomington?
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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