Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in DeKalb, IL: $63,761 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in DeKalb, IL earns a median $63,761/year (≈ $30.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in DeKalb's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $65,665 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in DeKalb, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $63,761, markedly lower than the national median of $70,247. The local salary range spans from $47,934 at the 10th percentile to $83,884 at the 90th percentile. These projections reflect the anticipated market conditions following recent changes in the healthcare payment structure, particularly the impact of the 15% Medicare cut. As outpatient services continue to transform in response to these cuts, job opportunities within various settings—like skilled nursing facilities and home health—are increasingly influenced by evolving reimbursement policies. This change is likely to shape the demand for PTAs and their respective pay rates within the DeKalb market.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,934 | $23.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,652 | $27.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,761 | $30.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,548 | $33.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,884 | $40.33 |
Median Salary Position
9.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeKalb
In DeKalb, IL, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,950 (2026 est.). At $63,761, the local median is 9.23% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in DeKalb: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeKalb Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
DeKalb median: $63,761/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeKalb Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $66,280 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -9.23% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $63,761 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.23% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $66,280.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeKalb 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.
DeKalb, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $63,761 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,665 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,362
2025 BLS Actual
$62,067
2026 Current Est.
$63,761
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,362 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,252 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,532 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,975 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,164 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,734 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,067 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,761 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,502 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeKalb metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $53,362 (2019) to $62,067 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,502 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,140 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb 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) | $47,934 – $57,652 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,652 – $63,761 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,761 – $70,548 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,548 – $83,884 |
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 DeKalb
Currently, DeKalb hosts a tightly-knit community of just nine physical therapist assistants, which could indicate a sparse job market for recent graduates or those looking to transition into the role. The cost of living index in DeKalb is set at 97.1, creating a scenario where the local compensation may offer less purchasing power compared to other regions. Employers within the outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer the most competitive wages, while skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies often lag due to the Medicare reimbursement cuts. The disparity between lower and higher pay rates is strongly influenced by the setting in which a PTA works, as well as the expectations of productivity and supervision mandated by state laws. To enhance earning potential in DeKalb, aspiring PTAs should focus on gaining experience in high-demand outpatient clinics, seeking weekend or PRN shifts, and considering additional qualifications—such as PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways—that broaden their career prospects and increase overall pay.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in DeKalb, IL in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in DeKalb?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in DeKalb?
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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 $62,067 for physical therapist assistantsin the DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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