Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Buffalo Grove, IL: $31.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Buffalo Grove, IL runs $31.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,052 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Buffalo Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,026 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buffalo Grove, Illinois, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $31.27, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This compensation reflects the local market for PTAs working in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, inpatient rehabilitation units, and pediatric therapy spaces. For those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions, working three days a week could generate around $1,505 weekly, translating to significant earnings depending on the chosen environment. The hourly pay range for physical therapist assistants in the area varies markedly, from entry-level positions starting at about $23.58 to experienced professionals earning upwards of $41.18 per hour, hinting at the structured pay scale in this sector.
About the Buffalo Grove 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) | $23.58 | $188.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.34 | $226.75 |
| Median (P50) | $31.27 | $250.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.69 | $277.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.18 | $329.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo Grove
Based on $31.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.27/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $65,044 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,525. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Buffalo Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,250.84 | $5,420 | $65,044 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $750.50 | $3,252 | $39,026 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.34 | $2,168 | $26,017 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Buffalo Grove) | $31.27 |
| 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 Buffalo Grove, IL earn a median of $65,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.40% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $66,244.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.27/hr = $39,026/year (purchasing power: $40,192).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,044/year (purchasing power: $66,986).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Buffalo Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Buffalo Grove grew 16.3% from $26.17/hr (2019) to $30.44/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.12/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 Buffalo Grove 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 Buffalo Grove
Exploring the part-time earning potential, a PTA working 24 hours a week could realistically take home around $39,232 annually, well below the income of a full-time colleague but still providing viable options in Buffalo Grove’s job market. For those looking at per diem work, physical therapist assistant pay in Buffalo Grove can vary between $32 to $48 per hour, while travel contracts may yield between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly, reflecting the flexibility and potential financial rewards of such roles. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on the employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer competitive wages, while skilled nursing facilities may see less favorable compensation due to the 15% Medicare cut that took effect in 2022. Many PTAs weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without health benefits against lower rates that offer comprehensive coverage. For a practical approach to negotiations, it's advisable for PTAs to research local pay scales and consider the long-term impacts of benefits and job stability while seeking opportunities in the Buffalo Grove area.
More salary data for Buffalo Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Buffalo Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Buffalo Grove?
Are physical therapist assistants in Buffalo Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Buffalo Grove?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Buffalo Grove?
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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 Buffalo Grove. 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 Buffalo Grove 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