Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Carol Stream, IL: $64,244 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Carol Stream, IL earns a median $64,244/year (≈ $30.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Carol Stream's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $66,163 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants can expect a median annual salary of $64,244 in Carol Stream, IL, which falls below the national median of $70,247. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $43,795, while experienced assistants can make up to $83,184. These figures reflect estimates based on 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional cost adjustments. The recent Medicare cuts have shifted the pay dynamics, particularly affecting those employed in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient settings. This has led to a notable impact in Carol Stream's job market, where the demand remains strong but the compensation is tempered by the changing reimbursement rates.
About the Carol Stream Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,795 | $21.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,677 | $28.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,244 | $30.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,064 | $35.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,184 | $39.99 |
Median Salary Position
8.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carol Stream
In Carol Stream, IL, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,389 (2026 est.). At $64,244, the local median is 8.55% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Carol Stream: You'd be above the median
How Carol Stream Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Carol Stream median: $64,244/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carol Stream Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $66,231 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -8.55% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $64,244 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.55% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $66,231.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carol Stream has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carol Stream, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $64,244 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,163 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,766
2025 BLS Actual
$62,537
2026 Current Est.
$64,244
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,766 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,663 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,952 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,406 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,604 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,195 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,537 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,244 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,998 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carol Stream metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $53,766 (2019) to $62,537 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,998 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,232 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carol Stream 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $43,795 – $58,677 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,677 – $64,244 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,244 – $74,064 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,064 – $83,184 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Carol Stream
Currently, there are 10 physical therapist assistants employed in Carol Stream, which indicates some degree of job stability in the local market. Given the cost of living index at 97.1, PTAs find that their salaries may be more favorable compared to other regions, providing a slightly better purchasing power. Employers that typically pay the highest rates include outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospital inpatient rehabilitation, and well-funded home health agencies, whereas SNF roles have seen decreased compensation due to the 15% cut affecting Medicare reimbursements for PTA services. The variation in salaries across different settings can be attributed to factors such as productivity expectations and the level of supervision required. To maximize their earnings in Carol Stream, physical therapist assistants should consider diversifying their skills or seeking positions in environments with higher reimbursement rates, such as hospital settings, while remaining informed about the evolving landscape of Medicare policies.
More salary data for Carol Stream, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,537 for physical therapist assistantsin the Carol Stream metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carol Stream 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