Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Evanston, IL: $44,085 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Evanston, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,085 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Evanston's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,402 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,890) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the workforce as physical therapist assistants in Evanston, Illinois, can expect starting salaries around $44,085. In comparison to the median annual salary of $65,890 for all PTAs in the city, this initial pay reveals a significant gap that illustrates the typical earnings progression early in a career. New grads may anticipate gradual increases in pay, moving from the starting salary through the 25th percentile around $55,703 and eventually reaching the city median within their first three to five years of experience. Given these figures and the moderate growth rate of approximately 2.73% per year, Evanston currently presents a favorable market for entry-level physical therapist assistants, offering ample opportunities to gain experience and increase earning potential.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Evanston
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 Evanston
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Evanston, IL typically start between $44,085 and $55,703 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,343 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,890 — 6.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Illinois of $22,000 represents just 49.90% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,085/year) in Evanston. 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 Evanston
- 1Research the Evanston market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,085 to $55,703, 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 Evanston, 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 Evanston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Evanston'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 Evanston is $44,343 ( 100.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,085, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,428.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,062
2025 BLS Actual
$42,913
2026 Current Est.
$44,085
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,062 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,412 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,504 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,844 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,253 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,913 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,085 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,288 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Evanston, IL grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,062 in 2019 to $42,913 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,288. New graduates entering the Evanston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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 Evanston
Employers in Evanston that commonly hire new graduates include outpatient clinics, which tend to be the most significant source of entry-level positions. Skilled nursing facilities are still notable for their recruitment efforts, though they may offer lower pay due to recent Medicare reimbursement cuts that have affected PTA wages. Home health agencies typically seek candidates with at least one to two years of clinical experience. To enhance starting pay in Illinois, aspiring PTAs should hold an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and obtain a state PTA license. As they begin their careers, early-career PTAs should focus on meeting state regulations, working under licensed physical therapists, and considering options for advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA to improve their competitiveness. Given the recent Medicare cuts, realistic salary growth within the first few years may vary, but focusing on skills development and continuing education will be crucial for climbing the pay ladder in this evolving field.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Evanston in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Evanston?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Evanston?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Evanston?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Illinois?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Evanston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evanston 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