Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Palatine, IL: $66,393 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Palatine, IL earns a median $66,393/year (≈ $31.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Palatine's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $68,376 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Palatine, Illinois, the physical therapist assistant salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $66,393 in 2026, placing it slightly below the national median of $70,247. The earning potential in this region reflects a salary range from $44,965 at the 10th percentile to $86,075 at the 90th percentile, indicating that while entry-level positions may start lower, experienced professionals can command considerably higher salaries. These projections are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local economic conditions, highlighting the productivity expectations inherent to this field. Thus, the success of physical therapist assistants in Palatine hinges significantly on their ability to manage patient visits efficiently throughout the workday, aligning their efforts with the overall demand for therapeutic services.
About the Palatine Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,965 | $21.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,741 | $27.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,393 | $31.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,187 | $36.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,075 | $41.38 |
Median Salary Position
5.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Palatine
In Palatine, IL, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,110 (2026 est.). At $66,393, the local median is 5.49% below the national median of $70,247.
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How Palatine Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Palatine median: $66,393/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Palatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $66,261 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | -5.49% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Palatine, IL earn a median of $66,393 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.49% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.20% above the Illinois state average of $66,261.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Palatine 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.
Palatine, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $66,393 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,376 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,565
2025 BLS Actual
$64,629
2026 Current Est.
$66,393
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Palatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,565 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,491 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,824 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,327 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,565 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,629 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,393 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,206 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Palatine metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $55,565 (2019) to $64,629 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,206 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,641 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Palatine 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) | $44,965 – $56,741 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,741 – $66,393 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,393 – $76,187 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,187 – $86,075 |
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 Palatine
The local job market for physical therapist assistants in Palatine currently employs 16 professionals, which reflects a niche but stable demand for these roles. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the salaries in Palatine provide a decent purchasing power relative to national averages, though they may not stretch as far as those in higher-cost areas. Outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the highest pay among local employers, but factors such as setting and productivity expectations heavily influence compensation. Variability in pay can stem from the type of facility—hospital settings generally provide superior compensation compared to outpatient or skilled nursing facilities, especially following recent changes in Medicare reimbursement affecting service rates. To maximize earnings in this environment, physical therapist assistants may consider seeking employment in specialized outpatient centers, pursuing additional certifications such as those offered by the APTA, or taking on PRN roles that may provide premium pay for weekend and holiday shifts.
More salary data for Palatine, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Palatine?
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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 $64,629 for physical therapist assistantsin the Palatine 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 Palatine 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