Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Des Plaines, IL: $30.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Des Plaines, IL runs $30.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,058 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Des Plaines's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,436 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Plaines, Illinois, the projected physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $30.80, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This pay reflects the financial dynamics within typical work environments for PTAs, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits, where professionals often seek part-time roles or per-diem positions. For those working three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a steady income while retaining flexibility. Hourly earnings in the area range broadly, with entry-level positions starting at $21.70 and reaching up to $39.69 for experienced practitioners. The hourly estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, highlight a crucial component of employment decisions in this field as many professionals evaluate the trade-offs of benefits packages versus hourly pay rates.
About the Des Plaines 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) | $21.70 | $173.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.18 | $209.40 |
| Median (P50) | $30.80 | $246.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.20 | $281.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.69 | $317.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Plaines
Based on $30.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.80/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Plaines, IL can expect to earn approximately $64,061 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,958. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Plaines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Plaines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,231.94 | $5,338 | $64,061 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $739.16 | $3,203 | $38,436 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.78 | $2,135 | $25,624 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Des Plaines) | $30.80 |
| 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 Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $64,058 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.81% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $66,244.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.80/hr = $38,436/year (purchasing power: $39,584).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,061/year (purchasing power: $65,974).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Des Plaines grew 16.3% from $25.78/hr (2019) to $29.98/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.64/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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
When examining the earning potential for PTAs in Des Plaines, the scenario varies significantly for part-time and per-diem workers. A physical therapist assistant working a typical 24-hour week can expect a take-home of approximately $39,576 annually compared to a full-time salary. For per-diem physical therapist assistants, the flexibility is appealing; they may charge between $32 and $48 per hour, particularly for agency roles or contract work, where travel contracts can yield weekly totals from $1,200 to $1,800. However, it is essential to recognize that positions in outpatient therapy and skilled nursing facilities may offer different hourly rates influenced by the ongoing effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts since 2022. This evolution has led to a range of pay scales across various employer types in Des Plaines, where negotiating effectively based on specific roles can offer benefits, such as healthcare coverage, in exchange for lower hourly rates. Understanding these dynamics can significantly aid PTAs in making informed career decisions within the local job market.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Des Plaines in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Des Plaines?
Are physical therapist assistants in Des Plaines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Des Plaines?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Des Plaines?
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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 Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines 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