Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Carol Stream, IL: $30.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Carol Stream, IL runs $30.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,244 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Carol Stream's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,552 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carol Stream, the pay rates for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) reflect both local demand and national trends. The projected median hourly rate stands at $30.89, which is lower than the national median of $33.77. This rate provides an interesting lens for those considering part-time or per-diem work in various healthcare settings, such as outpatient facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. Entry-level PTAs earn approximately $21.06, while more experienced professionals can make up to $39.99 per hour, showcasing a significant disparity within the workforce. These estimates are derived from annual salaries but effectively illustrate the compensation landscape for those working in Carol Stream.
About the Carol Stream Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.06 | $168.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.21 | $225.68 |
| Median (P50) | $30.89 | $247.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.61 | $284.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.99 | $319.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carol Stream
Based on $30.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.89/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carol Stream, IL can expect to earn approximately $64,253 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,069. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carol Stream.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carol Stream
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,235.64 | $5,354 | $64,253 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $741.38 | $3,213 | $38,552 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.25 | $2,142 | $25,701 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Carol Stream) | $30.89 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $64,244 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.55% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $66,231.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.89/hr = $38,552/year (purchasing power: $39,703).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,253/year (purchasing power: $66,172).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Carol Stream grew 16.3% from $25.85/hr (2019) to $30.07/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.73/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carol Stream 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Carol Stream
For part-time PTAs working three days a week, or a total of 24 hours, the annual income would be around $38,571, a notable contrast to the earnings of full-time professionals. Per diem physical therapist assistants in Carol Stream often command hourly rates between $32 and $48, and travel assignments may yield weekly earnings of $1,200 to $1,800. However, the recent cut in Medicare reimbursements for PTA services has subdued pay rates in settings like skilled nursing facilities, where agency staff may experience decreased compensation. Different employers, ranging from outpatient orthopedic clinics to hospital rehab units, offer varying pay scales that impact overall earnings. PTAs often weigh the choice between lower hourly rates with benefits against higher rates that lack such protections. For those negotiating hourly pay in Carol Stream, being aware of local market rates and understanding the specific employer type can lead to more favorable terms.
More salary data for Carol Stream, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Carol Stream in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Carol Stream?
Are physical therapist assistants in Carol Stream paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Carol Stream?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Carol Stream?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Carol Stream. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carol Stream is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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