Chicago vs Waukegan: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Chicago, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,202▲ | $66,356 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.68▲ | $31.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,736 | $45,152▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,621▲ | $56,664 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,941▲ | $76,100 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,143 | $90,168▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,520▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukegan.
The salary gap between Chicago and Waukegan is $7,846 (11.82%). 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 Chicago spans $42,407,Waukegan spans $45,016. Waukegan 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 4.81% more than Waukegan ($68,338 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,168)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Chicago grew 16.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$61,830 (2019) → $72,230 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$63,206 (2024) → $64,593 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Chicago or Waukegan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Waukegan?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Waukegan as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Chicago vs Waukegan?
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