Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in DeKalb, IL: $30.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in DeKalb, IL runs $30.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,761 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against DeKalb's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,257 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeKalb, Illinois, a physical therapist assistant earns a median hourly rate of $30.65, which is notably below the national median of $33.77. This figure is crucial for part-time workers, such as those opting to work three days a week, who can anticipate earnings that reflect either a consistent income or an attractive alternative in per-diem positions. In typical work environments, ranging from outpatient clinics to skilled nursing facilities and home health scenarios, hourly pay can vary significantly based on experience and employer type. New entrants to the field may expect to start at around $23.04 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates as high as $40.33. These estimates derived from annual salary data highlight how the physical therapist assistant hourly pay in DeKalb compares within the local employment landscape.
About the DeKalb 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) | $23.04 | $184.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.72 | $221.73 |
| Median (P50) | $30.65 | $245.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.92 | $271.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.33 | $322.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeKalb
Based on $30.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.65/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeKalb, IL can expect to earn approximately $63,762 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,786. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeKalb.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeKalb
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,226.19 | $5,313 | $63,762 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $735.71 | $3,188 | $38,257 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.47 | $2,125 | $25,505 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (DeKalb) | $30.65 |
| 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 DeKalb, IL earn a median of $63,761 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.23% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $66,280.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.65/hr = $38,257/year (purchasing power: $39,400).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,762/year (purchasing power: $65,666).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in DeKalb grew 16.3% from $25.66/hr (2019) to $29.84/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.49/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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb
Evaluating the earnings of part-time physical therapist assistants highlights some intriguing dynamics in DeKalb's job market. Those working three days a week for a total of 24 hours can expect to take home around $38,206 annually, which demonstrates how flexible scheduling impacts income potential. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in DeKalb typically ranges between $32 and $48 an hour, though travel contracts can provide substantial weekly compensation, often between $1,200 and $1,800. It's essential to consider how hourly rates differ across various employer types: outpatient clinics may offer different compensation compared to skilled nursing facilities or pediatric therapy programs. Moreover, many PTAs find themselves weighing the value of comprehensive benefits against higher hourly wages that don’t include health insurance. Practical negotiation strategies are vital for hourly workers; emphasizing specialized skills or relevant certifications can position candidates more favorably in discussions about pay in this evolving market.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in DeKalb in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in DeKalb?
Are physical therapist assistants in DeKalb paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in DeKalb?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in DeKalb?
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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 DeKalb. 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 DeKalb 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