Arlington Heights vs Chicago: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,207 | $74,202▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.35 | $35.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,758▲ | $42,736 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,224 | $63,621▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,896 | $77,941▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,321▲ | $85,143 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 3,520▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Chicago is $8,995 (13.79%). Chicago's median is +5.63% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $38,563,Chicago spans $42,407. Chicago has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($71,627 effective) pays 6.66% more than Arlington Heights ($67,154 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,321)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,202/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,627)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Arlington Heights grew 2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.8% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$62,111 (2024) → $63,474 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$61,830 (2019) → $72,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Arlington Heights or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Chicago as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Arlington Heights vs Chicago?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov