Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Peoria, IL: $46,157 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Peoria, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,157 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 91.2 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,594 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,789) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Physical therapist assistants entering the workforce in Peoria, Illinois, can expect an initial salary range from $46,157 to $54,026, depending on their qualifications and negotiating skills. This starting pay reflects a sizable gap compared to the overall median salary of $62,789 for PTAs in the region. However, with professional development and experience, new graduates can realistically progress toward the median within their first few years. As the job market in Peoria remains relatively stable for entry-level positions, graduates can find opportunities that position them well for growth within the profession, making it a favorable place for recent PTA program graduates.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peoria
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Peoria, IL typically start between $46,157 and $54,026 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,599 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,789 — 10.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Illinois of $22,000 represents just 47.66% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,157/year) in Peoria. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,157 to $54,026, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Peoria, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Peoria is $37,599 ( 81.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,157, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,756.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,680
2025 BLS Actual
$44,930
2026 Current Est.
$46,157
2019–2027 Growth
+8.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,157 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,417 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, IL grew 2.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,680 in 2019 to $44,930 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,417. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Peoria
In terms of employment opportunities, Peoria primarily offers positions in outpatient clinical settings where new grads are often hired. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit despite challenges from recent Medicare reimbursement cuts, while home health agencies generally look for candidates with some prior clinic experience. To improve entry-level physical therapist assistant pay in Illinois, candidates should ensure they meet essential credentials, including a CAPTE-accredited associate’s degree, passing the NPTAE national exam, obtaining a state PTA license, and having BLS certification. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can lead to higher starting salaries. During their first three years, PTAs will need to strategically plan their career paths while working under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, especially as ongoing changes in Medicare policies impact reimbursement rates and ultimately salary levels.
More salary data for Peoria, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Peoria in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Peoria?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Peoria?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Peoria?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Illinois?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Peoria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov