Evanston vs Peoria: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Evanston, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evanston, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,890▲ | $62,789 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.68▲ | $30.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,085 | $46,157▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,703▲ | $54,026 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,615▲ | $76,996 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,428▲ | $83,756 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Evanston, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Evanston and Peoria is $3,101 (4.94%). Evanston's median is -6.20% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evanston spans $44,343,Peoria spans $37,599. Evanston 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, Peoria ($68,824 effective) pays 1.42% more than Evanston ($67,858 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evanston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,890/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,428)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,824)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Evanston grew 2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Evanston, IL
$62,761 (2024) → $64,139 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$56,760 (2019) → $61,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evanston, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Evanston or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evanston and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Evanston to Peoria as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Evanston vs Peoria?
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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