Orland Park vs Rockford: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Orland Park, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orland Park, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,185▲ | $65,788 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.30▲ | $31.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,075▲ | $41,441 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,391 | $60,292▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,600▲ | $76,328 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,275▲ | $80,325 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Orland Park, IL offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Orland Park and Rockford is $1,397 (2.12%). Orland Park's median is -4.36% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orland Park spans $39,200,Rockford spans $38,884. Orland Park has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($71,389 effective) pays 3.18% more than Orland Park ($69,192 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,185/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,275)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,389)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Orland Park grew 2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Orland Park, IL
$63,996 (2024) → $65,400 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$53,810 (2019) → $64,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orland Park, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Orland Park or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orland Park and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Orland Park to Rockford as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Orland Park vs Rockford?
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