Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $45,122 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Des Plaines, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,122 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Plaines's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,470 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,058) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting physical therapist assistant salary in Des Plaines is projected at approximately $45,122, which represents the lower end of the salary range for new graduates entering the field. This figure is significantly below the city's median salary of $64,058, indicating the common early-career pay gap that many entry-level PTAs face. However, with dedication and continuous skill development, it’s realistic for new professionals to quickly advance, as they can expect to earn around $54,450 as they gain experience within the first few years. The job market in Des Plaines currently offers notable opportunities for new graduates, making it a favorable location for those entering this profession. The area possesses a solid demand for physical therapist assistants, setting a promising stage for recent graduates looking to begin their careers.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Plaines
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 Des Plaines
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Des Plaines, IL typically start between $45,122 and $54,450 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,434 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,058 — 8.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Illinois of $22,000 represents just 48.76% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,122/year) in Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines
- 1Research the Des Plaines market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,122 to $54,450, 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 Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Plaines'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 Des Plaines is $37,434 ( 82.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,122, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,556.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,769
2025 BLS Actual
$43,923
2026 Current Est.
$45,122
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,769 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,128 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,292 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,866 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,735 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,235 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,923 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,122 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,354 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Des Plaines, IL grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,769 in 2019 to $43,923 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,354. New graduates entering the Des Plaines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
Within the Des Plaines area, new graduates often find employment with outpatient chains, which tend to be the primary employers seeking new physical therapist assistant talent. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit despite reimbursement cuts, home health agencies generally look for candidates with some clinic experience, highlighting an area for new grads to strategically consider. To maximize starting pay in Illinois, aspiring PTAs should focus on obtaining credentials such as an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and acquiring their state PTA license. Additionally, those interested in enhancing their qualifications can pursue advanced proficiency credentials offered through the APTA. Given the context of recent Medicare reimbursement cuts, PTAs working under direct supervision must adapt to the evolving demands of the industry. Thus, during the first three years, graduates can expect salary growth correlated with increased experience and skills development, leading to more competitive pay in the long term.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Des Plaines in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Des Plaines?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Des Plaines?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Des Plaines?
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 Des Plaines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines 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