Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Waukegan, IL: $90,168 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Waukegan, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $90,168/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Waukegan's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $92,861 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukegan, Illinois, senior physical therapist assistants have the potential to earn significantly more than their counterparts nationally, with a top-tier salary projected at $90,168 in 2026. The median annual income for this experienced group stands at $66,356, which highlights the substantial experience premium available for those who reach the top tier. Achieving this level of pay requires dedication, skill development, and often specialization in high-demand areas such as orthopedic or geriatric care. With the salary range for senior professionals spanning from $45,152 at the 10th percentile to $90,168 at the 90th percentile, those who can navigate their career toward advanced roles have ample opportunity to realize their earning potential and stand out in a competitive market.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukegan
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Waukegan earn between $76,100 and $90,168 per year (2026 est.). This $45,016 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Waukegan median of $66,356 sits 5.54% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Waukegan | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,356 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,100 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $90,168 | $91,954 |
In Waukegan, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 35.89% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Waukegan
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $66,356 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Waukegan employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Waukegan command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,100–$90,168 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWaukegan ranks #5 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $90,168).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Waukegan ($90,168) is 5.83% above the Illinois average P90 ($85,197).
2019 BLS Actual
$79,270
2025 BLS Actual
$87,772
2026 Current Est.
$90,168
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,869 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,613 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,575 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,105 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,698 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,772 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,168 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,630 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Waukegan saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $79,270 in 2019 to $87,772 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 $92,630 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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 Waukegan
Specialization is a key contributor to higher salaries for Waukegan's experienced physical therapist assistants. Areas like sports medicine, pediatric therapy, and skilled nursing facility (SNF) rehabilitation often command premium pay, reflecting the specific expertise required in these disciplines. Compensation varies significantly across employer types; outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer more competitive salaries compared to hospital inpatient rehab or school therapy programs. Career advancement options abound for seasoned PTAs, with paths such as transitioning to a lead PTA position, becoming a supervisor in clinic operations, or entering academia as PTA program faculty. Moreover, obtaining advanced credentials through organizations like APTA can further enhance earning potential. In addition to base salaries, senior PTAs often consider non-salary factors like work environments and productivity expectations, particularly in light of the recent 15% Medicare cuts, as these can dramatically impact compensation in settings reliant on Medicare reimbursement.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Waukegan in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Waukegan?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Waukegan?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Waukegan?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Waukegan?
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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 $87,772 for physical therapist assistants in the Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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