Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Urbana, IL: $47,717 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Urbana, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,717 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Urbana's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,142 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,877) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the physical therapy assistant field in Urbana, Illinois, the 2026 starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected to be around $47,717, which is below the city's median annual salary of $62,877. New graduates should realistically expect their earnings to rise incrementally as they gain experience; for instance, entry-level pay can progress to approximately $57,183 within the first few years. This growth potential suggests that Urbana maintains a viable market for new professionals despite the lower starting figure. The growth rate is projected at 2.73% annually over the next five years, indicating opportunities for salary advancements as entry-level professionals work toward achieving the higher median pay associated with more experience.
About the Urbana Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Urbana
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 Urbana
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Urbana, IL typically start between $47,717 and $57,183 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,306 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,877 — 10.49% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Illinois of $22,000 represents just 46.11% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,717/year) in Urbana. 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 Urbana
- 1Research the Urbana market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,717 to $57,183, 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 Urbana, 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 Urbana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Urbana'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 Urbana is $33,306 ( 69.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,717, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,023.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,539
2025 BLS Actual
$46,449
2026 Current Est.
$47,717
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Urbana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,539 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,918 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,264 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,159 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,963 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,555 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,449 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,717 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,020 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Urbana, IL grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,539 in 2019 to $46,449 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,020. New graduates entering the Urbana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbana 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 Urbana
In Urbana, various employers actively recruit new graduates seeking entry-level positions in physical therapy. Outpatient chains tend to offer the most opportunities for recent PTA grads, making them an ideal starting point. Though skilled nursing facilities continue to hire, they are facing changes due to the 15% cuts to Medicare reimbursements for PTA-related services initiated in 2022, which can impact pay scales and job security in those settings. To enhance their marketability, new PTAs should complete a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, pass the NPTAE, and obtain a state PTA license, while pursuing ongoing education or advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA. Entering the workforce with solid credentials can help position these professionals for better pay and career advancement, particularly in a market where experience can greatly influence earnings over the first three years.
More salary data for Urbana, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Urbana in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Urbana?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Urbana?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Urbana?
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 Urbana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Urbana 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