Rockford vs Wheaton: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Rockford, IL and Wheaton, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,788▲ | $65,124 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.63▲ | $31.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,441 | $47,564▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,292▲ | $58,050 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,328▲ | $75,699 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,325 | $86,045▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheaton.
The salary gap between Rockford and Wheaton is $664 (1.02%). 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 Rockford spans $38,884,Wheaton spans $38,481. Rockford 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, Rockford ($71,389 effective) pays 6.44% more than Wheaton ($67,069 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,045)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Rockford grew 19.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$53,810 (2019) → $64,040 (2025)
Wheaton, IL
$62,031 (2024) → $63,393 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Wheaton, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Rockford or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Wheaton as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Rockford vs Wheaton?
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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