Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Waukegan, IL: $45,152 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Waukegan, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,152 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waukegan's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,501 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,356) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
While recent graduates entering the field of physical therapy assistance in Waukegan, IL, may find the starting physical therapist assistant salary at approximately $45,152, it’s essential for them to set realistic expectations. This figure represents the projected entry-level pay for 2026, which is considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $66,356. However, new PTAs can advance in their careers significantly within just a few years; for instance, pay can increase to around $56,664 within the first few years of experience and potentially reach the median range with dedication and professional development. Waukegan's healthcare market provides viable opportunities for new graduates, making it a favorable area for those starting their careers.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waukegan
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 Waukegan
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Waukegan, IL typically start between $45,152 and $56,664 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,016 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,356 — 5.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Illinois of $22,000 represents just 48.72% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,152/year) in Waukegan. 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 Waukegan
- 1Research the Waukegan market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,152 to $56,664, 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 Waukegan, 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 Waukegan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waukegan'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 Waukegan is $45,016 ( 99.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,152, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,168.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,789
2025 BLS Actual
$43,952
2026 Current Est.
$45,152
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,789 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,148 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,315 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,893 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,761 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,273 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,952 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,152 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,385 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Waukegan, IL grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,789 in 2019 to $43,952 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,385. New graduates entering the Waukegan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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 Waukegan
In Waukegan, various employers actively seek to hire new graduates as physical therapist assistants. Outpatient chains are the most prominent recruiters, while skilled nursing facilities, despite facing financial pressures due to the 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts implemented in 2022, continue to hire PTAs. Home health agencies, however, generally prefer candidates with a couple of years of clinical experience. For those looking to enhance their entry-level physical therapist assistant salary in Waukegan, completing an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining state licensure are critical steps. Additionally, engaging in continuing education and pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can provide a competitive edge. Realistically, new graduates can expect modest salary increases in their first three years, anticipating growth into the mid-range around $76,100 as they gain relevant experience under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Waukegan in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Waukegan?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Waukegan?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Waukegan?
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 Waukegan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukegan 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