Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Elgin, IL: $35.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Elgin, IL runs $35.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,540 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Elgin's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,129 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elgin, Illinois, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $35.36, which surpasses the national hourly median of $33.77. This competitive pay reflects the integral role these professionals play in various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the flexible hourly pay allows for effective work-life balance while still earning a reasonable income. Those entering the field can expect hourly earnings starting around $25.08, while the top earners in the region can command as much as $47.52 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, highlighting how the hourly compensation provides a clear snapshot of earnings potential based on the demand for skilled physical therapist assistants in Elgin.
About the Elgin 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) | $25.08 | $200.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.37 | $242.94 |
| Median (P50) | $35.36 | $282.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.43 | $331.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.52 | $380.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elgin
Based on $35.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.36/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elgin, IL can expect to earn approximately $73,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,432. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elgin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elgin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,414.39 | $6,129 | $73,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $848.63 | $3,677 | $44,129 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $565.75 | $2,452 | $29,419 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Elgin) | $35.36 |
| 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 Elgin, IL earn a median of $73,540 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.69% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 11.00% above the Illinois state average of $66,253.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.36/hr = $44,129/year (purchasing power: $45,447).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,548/year (purchasing power: $75,745).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Elgin grew 16.3% from $29.59/hr (2019) to $34.42/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.32/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 Elgin 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 Elgin
Part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours a week can expect to take home about $49,658 annually, which substantially differs from their full-time counterparts. Many opt for per diem or agency positions, where the pay typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour; these arrangements can significantly enhance earning potential, especially for travel assignments that can yield between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. However, being a physical therapist assistant in settings like skilled nursing facilities can lead to reduced hourly pay, especially in light of the recent Medicare cuts affecting reimbursement rates for PTA services. While some PTAs may accept lower wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others see higher hourly rates as more desirable, despite the lack of stability. Negotiating rates is a vital skill in Elgin; showcasing relevant experience and knowledge about local averages can give leverage during discussions. Understanding the nuances of hourly pay across different employer types—such as outpatient clinics, home health agencies, and school therapy programs—will also assist PTAs in maximizing their career and financial prospects.
More salary data for Elgin, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Elgin in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Elgin?
Are physical therapist assistants in Elgin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Elgin?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Elgin?
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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 Elgin. 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 Elgin 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