Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Gurnee, IL: $80,294 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Gurnee, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $80,294/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Gurnee's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $82,692 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gurnee, IL, the salary potential for experienced physical therapist assistants is significant, with the top earners reaching $80,294 in 2026. This amount reflects a robust experience premium, as the median salary for PTAs stands at $65,299. The gap between these figures illustrates the elevated earning potential achievable through expertise and years in the field, particularly for those who specialize in high-demand areas such as orthopedic rehabilitation and sports medicine. To attain this upper echelon of pay, seasoned professionals often pursue advanced certifications and roles that allow them to leverage their clinical skills and leadership abilities effectively, culminating in opportunities that can significantly exceed standard compensation levels available in the market.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gurnee
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Gurnee earn between $72,688 and $80,294 per year (2026 est.). This $34,013 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Gurnee median of $65,299 sits 7.04% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Gurnee | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,299 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,688 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $80,294 | $91,954 |
In Gurnee, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 22.96% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Gurnee
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $65,299 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Gurnee employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Gurnee command premium compensation, often reaching the $72,688–$80,294 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGurnee ranks #56 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $80,294).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Gurnee ($80,294) is 5.75% below the Illinois average P90 ($85,197).
2019 BLS Actual
$70,589
2025 BLS Actual
$78,160
2026 Current Est.
$80,294
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Gurnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,589 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,013 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,004 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,423 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,566 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,294 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,486 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Gurnee saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $70,589 in 2019 to $78,160 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 $82,486 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gurnee 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 Gurnee
Compensation for senior physical therapist assistants in Gurnee varies based on specialization and setting, with distinct opportunities for those focusing on orthopedic, geriatric, pediatric, and sports medicine therapies. In general, outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospitals typically offer higher pay than skilled nursing facilities, which have faced recent reimbursement challenges due to Medicare's 15% cut impacting PTA services. Additionally, PTAs in leadership roles, such as clinic operations supervisors or regional clinical educators, can expect to earn more than their peers in non-supervisory positions. Seeking advanced credentials, including recognition from the APTA for proficiency in specific practice areas or a bridge to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, can significantly enhance earning potential, which is crucial in a competitive job market. Non-salary factors, such as work environment and productivity expectations, also play a role in determining overall compensation and job satisfaction within this profession.
More salary data for Gurnee, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Gurnee in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Gurnee?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Gurnee?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Gurnee?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Gurnee?
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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 $78,160 for physical therapist assistants in the Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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