Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Cicero, IL: $64,136 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Cicero, IL earns a median $64,136/year (≈ $30.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Cicero's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $66,051 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Cicero, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $64,136. This figure reveals a landscape where salaries range from $45,300 at the 10th percentile to $82,811 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying qualifications and settings. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price disparities, indicate a slightly lower earning potential compared to the national median salary of $70,247. Prospective PTAs who consider advancing their careers through the PTA-to-DPT pathway may find that further education can significantly enhance their lifetime earning potential and open doors to advanced practice roles. With local job opportunities available, the market in Cicero offers promising prospects for those entering the field.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,300 | $21.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,013 | $26.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,136 | $30.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,393 | $35.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,811 | $39.81 |
Median Salary Position
8.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
In Cicero, IL, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,511 (2026 est.). At $64,136, the local median is 8.7% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cicero: You'd be above the median
How Cicero Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Cicero median: $64,136/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cicero Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $66,257 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -8.70% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Cicero, IL earn a median of $64,136 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.70% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $66,257.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cicero 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.
Cicero, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $64,136 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,051 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,676
2025 BLS Actual
$62,432
2026 Current Est.
$64,136
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,676 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,571 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,858 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,506 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,092 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,432 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,136 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,887 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cicero metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $53,676 (2019) to $62,432 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,887 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,211 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero 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) | $45,300 – $56,013 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,013 – $64,136 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,136 – $73,393 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,393 – $82,811 |
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 Cicero
Cicero's job market for physical therapist assistants currently employs 21 professionals, suggesting a stable yet competitive local environment. The cost of living index in the area is 97.1, which means expenses are below the national average, potentially improving take-home pay. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient orthopedic clinics frequently offer higher wages, making them attractive options. However, variations in pay reflect factors such as working conditions, productivity expectations, and the impact of recent Medicare reimbursement cuts, particularly in settings reliant on government funding. To maximize earning potential, new graduates and transitioning PTAs can focus on seeking roles in higher-paying specialties, considering shifts that might offer bonuses or additional pay for weekends and PRN work, and staying informed about market demands in the Cicero area.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Cicero, IL in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Cicero?
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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 $62,432 for physical therapist assistantsin the Cicero 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 Cicero 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