Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Cicero, IL: $82,811 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Cicero, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,811/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Cicero's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $85,284 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior physical therapist assistants in Cicero, Illinois, have substantial earning potential, with the 2026 projected top-tier salary reaching $82,811, compared to a median annual salary of $64,136. This significant gap underscores the substantial financial rewards for experienced professionals in the field. Those who aspire to enter this upper echelon of pay typically bring over seven years of hands-on experience coupled with advanced skill sets. Factors driving top performance include specialization in high-demand areas such as orthopedic and geriatric rehabilitation, and effective leadership in clinical settings. The figures suggest that while many PTAs can attain a solid income, reaching the highest salary levels hinges on a combination of experience, specialization, and career advancement strategies tailored to Cicero’s healthcare environment.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Cicero earn between $73,393 and $82,811 per year (2026 est.). This $37,511 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cicero median of $64,136 sits 8.7% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Cicero | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,136 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,393 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,811 | $91,954 |
In Cicero, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 29.12% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Cicero
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $64,136 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cicero employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Cicero command premium compensation, often reaching the $73,393–$82,811 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cicero metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Cicero with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Cicero
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCicero ranks #39 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $82,811).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Cicero ($82,811) is 2.8% below the Illinois average P90 ($85,197).
2019 BLS Actual
$72,802
2025 BLS Actual
$80,610
2026 Current Est.
$82,811
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
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 | $72,802 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,199 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,756 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,998 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,610 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,811 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,071 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Cicero saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $72,802 in 2019 to $80,610 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $85,071 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Cicero
In Cicero, various specializations significantly influence senior physical therapist assistant pay in IL, with orthopedic and geriatric rehab roles often commanding heightened compensation. Compensation varies across employer types, as outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities typically offer different salary structures compared to hospital rehab settings. Leading positions, such as clinic operations supervisor or regional clinical educator, present lucrative avenues for experienced professionals aiming to increase their income. Credentials can also play a vital role; having an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are essential steps. Furthermore, the ongoing 15% Medicare cut to PTA services since 2022 has introduced challenges for many, particularly those in heavily Medicare-reliant settings. However, by pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA and considering pathways like PTA-to-DPT bridges, experienced PTAs can bolster both their marketability and their earning potential.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Cicero in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Cicero?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Cicero?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Cicero?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time 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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $80,610 for physical therapist assistants in the Cicero metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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