Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Physical Therapist Assistants in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area earn an average annual salary of $71,430. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $67,190, indicating a favorable compensation landscape within this metropolitan region. Local demand, industry specialization, and the overall economic vitality of the area likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,190.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,960 Physical Therapist Assistants, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area demonstrates a substantial presence in this healthcare sector. The Location Quotient of 0.94 suggests that the concentration of these professionals is nearly on par with the national average, implying a stable and consistent demand for their services within this robust job market.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+6.3%above the national average.
$34.3
$1,374
$5,953
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and advancements in physical therapy techniques typically drive up demand and, consequently, compensation for skilled professionals in this field.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Salary progression for Physical Therapist Assistants is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $59,640 | $28.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $53,573 | $25.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $67,670 | $32.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $89,288 | $42.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $97,190 | $46.7 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $71,430 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Physical Therapist Assistant's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the pay is higher, the cost of living does not significantly diminish its real value.
Job Market Context
2,960
Total Jobs
0.662
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.94x the national average concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.94 indicates that the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area has a concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants that is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively stable, offering a competitive yet accessible environment for both job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kenosha, WI Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $63,070↓ 12% | 51 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $57,500↓ 20% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $71,430. This typically ranges from $59,640 for entry-level positions to $97,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 6.3% higher than the national median of $67,190.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants.The average salary of $71,430 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kenosha, WI ($63,070) and Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI.
How does the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN salary compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earn an average of $71,430 annually, which is higher than the national average of $67,190.
What is the job market like for Physical Therapist Assistants in this area?
The job market is stable, with a workforce of 2,960 professionals and a concentration (Location Quotient) nearly matching the national average, suggesting consistent demand.
Does the cost of living affect the salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
No, the cost of living in this area is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning the higher nominal salary translates directly to equivalent purchasing power.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants are employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area?
There are approximately 2,960 Physical Therapist Assistants employed within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,960 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 0.662 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Therapist Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN