Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Belleville, IL: $30.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Belleville, IL runs $30.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,201 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Belleville's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,924 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Belleville, IL stands at a median of $30.39, reflecting a modest gap when compared to the national hourly median of $33.77. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $24,000 annually, making it a viable option for individuals looking to balance work with personal commitments. Per-diem roles, common in outpatient clinic gyms and skilled nursing facilities, offer flexibility and can yield rates between $22.41 and $38.31 hourly, appealing to those interested in intermittent work arrangements. Entry-level positions in Belleville may start around $22.41, while experienced practitioners in specialized settings can earn up to $38.31 per hour, illustrating that there is a competitive range for both new and seasoned PTAs in the region. It’s crucial to remember that these hourly figures are projected estimates based on annual salary data from 2025.
About the Belleville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.41 | $179.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.15 | $217.21 |
| Median (P50) | $30.39 | $243.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.50 | $275.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.31 | $306.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Belleville
Based on $30.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.39/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Belleville, IL can expect to earn approximately $63,206 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,465. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Belleville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Belleville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,215.50 | $5,267 | $63,206 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.30 | $3,160 | $37,924 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.20 | $2,107 | $25,282 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Belleville) | $30.39 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Belleville, IL earn a median of $63,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.03% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $66,248.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.39/hr = $37,924/year (purchasing power: $39,056).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,206/year (purchasing power: $65,094).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Belleville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Belleville grew 16.3% from $25.43/hr (2019) to $29.58/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.22/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Belleville 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Belleville
Considering the part-time earning potential, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours per week could expect to bring home approximately $39,261 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Those choosing per-diem or agency work might find themselves in a more lucrative position, often billing $32 to $48 per hour, with travel contracts yielding weekly payouts of $1,200 to $1,800. However, the effects of the 15% Medicare cut, which came into play in 2022, have led to a decline in premium pay for SNF agency roles, complicating the financial landscape for many in the field. In Belleville, hourly rates can vary notably by employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy programs each present different pay structures. Many physical therapist assistants face a decision between accepting higher hourly wages with no benefits or lower rates that include health coverage. Understanding the local job market and being prepared to negotiate accordingly can make a significant difference for PTAs in achieving both financial stability and job satisfaction in Belleville, IL.
More salary data for Belleville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Belleville in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Belleville?
Are physical therapist assistants in Belleville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Belleville?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Belleville?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Belleville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Belleville 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