Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Northbrook, IL: $65,356 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Northbrook, IL earns a median $65,356/year (≈ $31.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Northbrook's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $67,308 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $65,356 for physical therapist assistants in Northbrook, Illinois, the local market reflects both opportunities and challenges shaped by recent Medicare cuts. The salary range spans from $46,347 at the 10th percentile to $82,625 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse array of compensation levels within this profession. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price differences, reveal a slightly lower compensation level compared to the national median of $70,247. The job market dynamics in Northbrook have seen a shift, particularly as outpatient settings and skilled nursing facilities adjust to the impacts of fiscal policy and patient care strategies.
About the Northbrook Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,347 | $22.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,087 | $27.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,356 | $31.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,277 | $35.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,625 | $39.73 |
Median Salary Position
6.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northbrook
In Northbrook, IL, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,278 (2026 est.). At $65,356, the local median is 6.96% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Northbrook: You'd be above the median
How Northbrook Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Northbrook median: $65,356/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northbrook Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $66,284 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -6.96% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Northbrook, IL earn a median of $65,356 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.96% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $66,284.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northbrook 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.
Northbrook, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $65,356 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,308 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,697
2025 BLS Actual
$63,619
2026 Current Est.
$65,356
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Northbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,697 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,608 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,618 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,253 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,619 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,356 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,140 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northbrook metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $54,697 (2019) to $63,619 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,140 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,443 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northbrook 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) | $46,347 – $57,087 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,087 – $65,356 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,356 – $74,277 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,277 – $82,625 |
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 Northbrook
In Northbrook, there are currently eight employed physical therapist assistants, showcasing a modest but stable demand for this role. With the cost-of-living index at 97.1, living expenses are slightly below the national average, which can affect the real value of take-home pay for PTAs. In this local job market, outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer higher compensation relative to skilled nursing facilities, especially due to productivity expectations and the lingering effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. The variance between high and low salaries in the area often comes down to the setting, level of experience, and whether one is able to work in specialized roles such as pediatric clinics or home health agencies. Those aiming to maximize their physical therapist assistant pay in Northbrook, IL, should consider seeking employment in higher-paying outpatient environments or pursuing additional certifications that may offer enhanced earning potential.
More salary data for Northbrook, 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 $63,619 for physical therapist assistantsin the Northbrook 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 Northbrook 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