Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Berwyn, IL: $43,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Berwyn, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,145 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Berwyn's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,434 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,475) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field as physical therapist assistants in Berwyn, Illinois, can expect starting salaries around $43,145 annually. This figure is considerably less than the city's median salary of $65,475, indicating a significant gap for those just launching their careers. However, there is potential for growth within the profession. As new PTAs gain experience, they can anticipate their earnings progressing through the first few years, potentially reaching $58,784 by the end of their second to third year. Berwyn presents a relatively favorable job market for entry-level candidates, especially given the 2.73% projected growth rate, allowing for a solid foundational opportunity for fresh graduates entering the healthcare field.
About the Berwyn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Berwyn
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berwyn
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Berwyn, IL typically start between $43,145 and $58,784 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,907 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,475 — 6.79% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Illinois of $22,000 represents just 50.99% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,145/year) in Berwyn. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Berwyn
- 1Research the Berwyn market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,145 to $58,784, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Berwyn, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Berwyn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Berwyn's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Berwyn is $39,907 ( 92.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,145, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,052.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,421
2025 BLS Actual
$41,998
2026 Current Est.
$43,145
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Berwyn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,421 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,764 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,789 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,119 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,037 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,357 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,998 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,322 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Berwyn, IL grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,421 in 2019 to $41,998 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,322. New graduates entering the Berwyn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berwyn metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Berwyn
Employers in Berwyn that regularly hire newly graduated physical therapist assistants primarily include outpatient chains, which actively seek candidates to fill these roles. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit PTAs, despite challenges stemming from reimbursement cuts, while home health agencies typically prefer individuals with 1-2 years of experience. Those entering the workforce should focus on obtaining the necessary credentials, including an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license. Continuing education through the APTA can also enhance starting salaries. Understanding the landscape is crucial, especially given that PTAs work under the supervision of physical therapists per state directives and Medicare regulations. Given the 15% Medicare cut to Part B reimbursement for services involving PTAs in 2022, this has resulted in compressed salary levels in Medicare-dependent settings. Realistic salary growth expectations of a few thousand dollars per year are typical in Berwyn, making it essential for new graduates to strategize their career path wisely to maximize earning potential over their first few years.
More salary data for Berwyn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Berwyn in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Berwyn?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Berwyn?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Berwyn?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Illinois?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Berwyn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berwyn is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov