Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Moline, IL: $63,911 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Moline, IL earns a median $63,911/year (≈ $30.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Moline's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $65,820 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the dynamic field of physical therapy, the earning potential for assistants in Moline, IL is noteworthy as they prepare to transition to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) roles. By 2026, the projected median annual salary for physical therapist assistants is $63,911, which reflects an adjustment to the lower regional cost of living compared to the national median of $70,247. Salary estimates reveal a wide range, with figures starting at $45,213 for entry-level positions and reaching as high as $78,805 for those with extensive experience. These estimates, grounded in 2025 BLS data, showcase the earning landscape, affecting professionals at various stages of their careers in Moline's healthcare market.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,213 | $21.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,893 | $26.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,911 | $30.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,654 | $34.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,805 | $37.89 |
Median Salary Position
9.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
In Moline, IL, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,592 (2026 est.). At $63,911, the local median is 9.02% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Moline: You'd be above the median
How Moline Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Moline median: $63,911/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moline Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $66,229 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -9.02% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Moline, IL earn a median of $63,911 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.02% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.50% below the Illinois state average of $66,229.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moline has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moline, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $63,911 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,820 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,488
2025 BLS Actual
$62,213
2026 Current Est.
$63,911
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,488 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,662 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,109 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,301 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,306 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,213 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,911 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,656 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moline metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $53,488 (2019) to $62,213 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,656 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,168 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,213 – $55,893 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,893 – $63,911 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,911 – $72,654 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,654 – $78,805 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Moline
The job market for physical therapist assistants in Moline remains modest, with only 10 professionals currently employed in the field. The local cost of living index, sitting at 97.1, suggests that the purchasing power of these earnings will reflect affordability compared to national standards. Facilities such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities tend to offer higher compensation, and understanding the variance in pay can be critical for those entering the profession. Key factors influencing salary levels include the setting—hospital positions usually pay more than outpatient roles—expected productivity, and the effects of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement rates. Moreover, negotiating additional pay through weekend shifts or PRN assignments can also elevate earnings. For those considering a career in this field or looking to maximize their physical therapist assistant pay in Moline, IL, navigating these elements will be essential for long-term financial success.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Moline, IL in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Moline?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Moline?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,213 for physical therapist assistantsin the Moline metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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