Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Oswego, IL: $30.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Oswego, IL runs $30.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,813 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Oswego's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,283 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Oswego, Illinois, can expect a median hourly pay of $30.68, which is significantly lower than the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate indicates that part-time professionals working a typical three-day work week might earn around $2,106 monthly before taxes, making this option viable for those who prefer a work-life balance. The hourly range for PTAs in the area spans from approximately $22.97 for entry-level roles to about $39.33 for seasoned practitioners. These estimates are extrapolated from annual salary data and reflect various settings where PTAs can be employed, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Given its competitive positioning, hourly earnings for physical therapist assistants in Oswego highlight the profession's importance in local healthcare while indicating the financial realities PTAs often navigate.
About the Oswego 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) | $22.97 | $183.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.77 | $222.14 |
| Median (P50) | $30.68 | $245.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.12 | $280.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.33 | $314.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oswego
Based on $30.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.68/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oswego, IL can expect to earn approximately $63,804 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,810. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oswego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oswego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,227.01 | $5,317 | $63,804 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $736.20 | $3,190 | $38,283 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.80 | $2,127 | $25,522 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Oswego) | $30.68 |
| 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 Oswego, IL earn a median of $63,813 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.16% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.70% below the Illinois state average of $66,265.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.68/hr = $38,283/year (purchasing power: $39,426).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,804/year (purchasing power: $65,710).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Oswego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Oswego grew 16.3% from $25.67/hr (2019) to $29.86/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.51/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 Oswego 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 Oswego
Focusing on part-time earnings, a physical therapist assistant at 24 hours per week could net just over $25,000 annually, a stark difference from a full-time salary. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Oswego typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, but travel contracts may bring homeweekly earnings between $1,200 and $1,800. However, with the 2022 Medicare cut impacting reimbursement rates, particularly for agencies dependent on Medicare, like skilled nursing facilities, pay may see downward pressure. Employers vary in pay structure; outpatient clinics often offer competitive rates versus skilled nursing facilities, which may provide lower hourly pay but include benefits like health insurance. It’s vital for PTAs to articulate value during negotiations, understanding that sometimes a lower hourly rate comes with added benefits, while those who opt for higher hourly wages may need to factor in the lack of health coverage.
More salary data for Oswego, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Oswego in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Oswego?
Are physical therapist assistants in Oswego paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Oswego?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Oswego?
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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 Oswego. 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 Oswego 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