Crystal Lake vs Rockford: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Crystal Lake, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Crystal Lake, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,098 | $65,788▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.34 | $31.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,361▲ | $41,441 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,258 | $60,292▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,773 | $76,328▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,748▲ | $80,325 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Crystal Lake and Rockford is $2,690 (4.26%). Rockford's median is -6.35% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Crystal Lake spans $35,387,Rockford spans $38,884. Rockford 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, Rockford ($71,389 effective) pays 9.86% more than Crystal Lake ($64,982 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,748)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,788/year)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,389)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Crystal Lake grew 2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Crystal Lake, IL
$60,102 (2024) → $61,421 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$53,810 (2019) → $64,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Crystal Lake, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Crystal Lake or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Crystal Lake and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Crystal Lake to Rockford as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Crystal Lake vs Rockford?
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