Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Wheaton, IL: $31.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Wheaton, IL runs $31.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,124 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,078 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheaton, Illinois, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to stand at $31.31 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This wage is beneficial for part-time workers, such as those who might work three days a week, as well as for per diem professionals who typically work on an as-needed basis. The hourly rate features a range from $22.87 for entry-level roles to approximately $41.37 for those at the top of their field. These figures represent estimated earnings derived from annual salary data, providing an essential framework for professionals in various settings including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy environments.
About the Wheaton 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) | $22.87 | $182.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.91 | $223.29 |
| Median (P50) | $31.31 | $250.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.40 | $291.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.37 | $330.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $31.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.31/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, IL can expect to earn approximately $65,129 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,575. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,252.48 | $5,427 | $65,129 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $751.49 | $3,256 | $39,078 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.99 | $2,171 | $26,052 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Wheaton) | $31.31 |
| 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 Wheaton, IL earn a median of $65,124 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.29% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $66,250.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.31/hr = $39,078/year (purchasing power: $40,245).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,129/year (purchasing power: $67,074).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Wheaton grew 16.3% from $26.21/hr (2019) to $30.48/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.17/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
For physical therapist assistants working part-time, a 3-day workweek translates to roughly 24 hours, which yields an annual income much lower than that of a full-time position. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Wheaton may commonly range from $32 to $48 per hour, especially with agency placements, where travel contracts can net between $1,200 and $1,800 per week. However, following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut effect from 2022, some skilled nursing facilities have reduced their pay rates. Hourly rates also fluctuate significantly depending on the type of employment; for instance, private outpatient clinics may offer different compensation compared to home health agencies or inpatient rehab units. Factors such as health benefits vs. higher pay without benefits can influence employment decisions, and those negotiating hourly rates should be well-informed about area standards and be prepared to articulate their value to prospective employers.
More salary data for Wheaton, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Wheaton in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Wheaton?
Are physical therapist assistants in Wheaton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Wheaton?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wheaton?
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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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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