Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Oak Park, IL: $31.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Oak Park, IL runs $31.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,779 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Oak Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,462 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Park, Illinois, physical therapist assistants (PTAs) can expect a median hourly pay of $31.62, which slightly trails the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate is particularly significant for part-time professionals who may work in various settings, including outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and home health organizations. For those working three days a week, the income provides a reliable source of funds but may vary depending on hours worked and the specific environment. Entry-level PTAs can expect to earn around $21.07 per hour, while those with greater experience and expertise may command rates as high as $40.40 per hour. These estimates, derived from annual salary data projected to 2026, reveal that opportunities exist across a spectrum of healthcare providers in Oak Park.
About the Oak Park 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) | $21.07 | $168.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.57 | $228.55 |
| Median (P50) | $31.62 | $252.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.93 | $287.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.40 | $323.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Park
Based on $31.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.62/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Park, IL can expect to earn approximately $65,770 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,944. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,264.81 | $5,481 | $65,770 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $758.89 | $3,289 | $39,462 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $505.92 | $2,192 | $26,308 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Oak Park) | $31.62 |
| 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 Oak Park, IL earn a median of $65,779 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.36% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.70% below the Illinois state average of $66,243.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.62/hr = $39,462/year (purchasing power: $40,641).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,770/year (purchasing power: $67,735).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Oak Park grew 16.3% from $26.46/hr (2019) to $30.78/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.48/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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park
Considering the earning potential, a physical therapist assistant working part-time for 24 hours a week would take home about $39,505 annually, which can be a viable option for newcomers to the profession or those balancing other commitments. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Oak Park typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, offering flexibility for those seeking to work intermittently or on a travel basis. Contracts for travel PTAs can range from $1,200 to $1,800 per week, aligning with a broader demand for skilled professionals across different settings. Meanwhile, variations in pay exist depending on employer types within Oak Park—outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer more competitive rates compared to skilled nursing facilities, especially in the aftermath of the 2022 Medicare cuts that reduced reimbursement for PTA services. While some PTAs might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay even without the added perks. Negotiating hourly wages in Oak Park can be strategic, with candidates encouraged to research local market rates and clearly articulate their value to potential employers.
More salary data for Oak Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Oak Park in 2026?
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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 Oak Park. 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 Oak Park 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