Joliet vs Peoria: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Joliet, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Joliet, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,833▲ | $62,789 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.65▲ | $30.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,206▲ | $46,157 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,397▲ | $54,026 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,565 | $76,996▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,507▲ | $83,756 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Joliet, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Joliet and Peoria is $3,044 (4.85%). Joliet's median is -6.28% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Joliet spans $41,301,Peoria spans $37,599. Joliet 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 1.51% more than Joliet ($67,799 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Joliet if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,833/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,507)
- ✓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 Joliet grew 2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Joliet, IL
$62,708 (2024) → $64,084 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$56,760 (2019) → $61,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Joliet, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Joliet or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Joliet and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Joliet to Peoria as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Joliet vs Peoria?
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