Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Park Ridge, IL: $30.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Park Ridge, IL runs $30.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,710 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Park Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,231 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Park Ridge, Illinois, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be about $30.63 in 2026, which is lower than the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate has substantial implications for those considering part-time work or per-diem positions, often found in settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. Over a three-day workweek, a PTA earning this median hourly rate might expect to draw a comfortable income, with entry-level positions starting around $22.99 per hour and top earners potentially reaching $39.16. It's essential to point out that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting a competitive landscape for PTAs in this suburban area.
About the Park Ridge 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) | $22.99 | $183.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.67 | $221.32 |
| Median (P50) | $30.63 | $245.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.86 | $270.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.16 | $313.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Park Ridge
Based on $30.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.63/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Park Ridge, IL can expect to earn approximately $63,719 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,761. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Park Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Park Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,225.36 | $5,310 | $63,719 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $735.22 | $3,186 | $38,231 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.15 | $2,124 | $25,488 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Park Ridge) | $30.63 |
| 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 Park Ridge, IL earn a median of $63,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.31% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $66,227.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.63/hr = $38,231/year (purchasing power: $39,373).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,719/year (purchasing power: $65,622).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Park Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Park Ridge grew 16.3% from $25.64/hr (2019) to $29.82/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.47/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 Park Ridge 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 Park Ridge
When analyzing the earning dynamics for physical therapist assistants in Park Ridge, part-time workers typically take home lower annual pay compared to full-time employees. A PTA working three days a week (24 hours) may see limited earnings compared to those in full-time roles, emphasizing the need for a solid schedule for financial security. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Park Ridge often ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, with travel contracts offering enticing weekly rates between $1,200 and $1,800. This varied compensation can significantly affect decisions surrounding job opportunities; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics may provide higher hourly wages but lack comprehensive benefits that skilled nursing facilities might offer. The 15% cut to Medicare reimbursement also creates a ripple effect on hourly rates in heavily reliant environments, particularly after 2022. For PTAs negotiating hourly pay, stressing unique skills or experience can be beneficial, especially in a town where the cost of living sits slightly below the national average.
More salary data for Park Ridge, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Park Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Park Ridge?
Are physical therapist assistants in Park Ridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Park Ridge?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Park Ridge?
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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 Park Ridge. 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 Park Ridge 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