Carol Stream vs Springfield: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Carol Stream, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carol Stream, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,244 | $68,202▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.89 | $32.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,795 | $50,482▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,677 | $61,463▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,064 | $79,749▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,184 | $100,254▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carol Stream.
The salary gap between Carol Stream and Springfield is $3,958 (6.16%). Springfield's median is -2.91% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carol Stream spans $39,389,Springfield spans $49,772. Springfield 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, Springfield ($73,537 effective) pays 11.15% more than Carol Stream ($66,163 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carol Stream if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,202/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,254)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,537)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Carol Stream grew 2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.1% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Carol Stream, IL
$61,195 (2024) → $62,537 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$53,090 (2019) → $66,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carol Stream, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Carol Stream or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carol Stream and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Carol Stream to Springfield as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Carol Stream vs Springfield?
Related Comparisons
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