Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Illinois represent one of the more active markets in the Midwest, with steady demand across hospital systems, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and school-based settings at every level from new graduate through senior clinician. The heaviest hiring concentrations are in Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford, where large employers like Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Northwestern Medicine, and OSF HealthCare maintain a consistent need for physical therapist assistants. Orthopedic rehabilitation, geriatric care, and pediatric therapy are among the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 112+ Physical Therapist Assistant jobs
Physical Therapist Assistant
Position Overview:
Work under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist to provide rehabilitation services that help residents improve mobility, strength, balance, and functional independence. The PTA implements treatment plans designed to support residents’ recovery, safety, and overall quality of life.
Key Responsibilities:
Administering medically prescribed physical therapy treatments to relieve pain, improve or restore function, and promote healing.
Provides skilled physical therapy services/interventions in accordance with physician orders under the supervision of a Physical Therapist.
Responds to requests for service by relaying information and referrals to Physical Therapist.
Implements and modifies the patient’s physical therapy plan of treatment with PT supervision.
Measures & records patient’s motor function, strength, and muscle performance.
Benefits Offered:
Affordable Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance – Quality coverage options to fit your needs and budget
Short- & Long-Term Disability Coverage – Financial protection and peace of mind
401(k) with Company Match – Invest in your future with employer contributions
Generous Paid Time Off – Includes vacation days, sick time, and paid holidays
Tuition Reimbursement – Advance your education and grow your career
Career Growth Opportunities – We prioritize internal promotions and professional development
Employee Rewards & Recognition Programs – Celebrating your hard work regularly
Weekly & Monthly Appreciation Events – Because your efforts deserve recognition
Birthday & Work Anniversary Celebrations – We celebrate you
Collaborative, Team-Oriented Culture – Work alongside supportive and dedicated colleagues
Preferred Qualifications:
Active/Valid Illinois license as Physical Therapy Assistant
SNF/Long term care experience preferred.
Current knowledge of treatment practices.
Knowledge of PCC preferred.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Position Overview:
Work under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist to provide rehabilitation services that help residents improve mobility, strength, balance, and functional independence. The PTA implements treatment plans designed to support residents’ recovery, safety, and overall quality of life.
Key Responsibilities:
Administering medically prescribed physical therapy treatments to relieve pain, improve or restore function, and promote healing.
Provides skilled physical therapy services/interventions in accordance with physician orders under the supervision of a Physical Therapist.
Responds to requests for service by relaying information and referrals to Physical Therapist.
Implements and modifies the patient’s physical therapy plan of treatment with PT supervision.
Measures & records patient’s motor function, strength, and muscle performance.
Benefits Offered:
Affordable Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance – Quality coverage options to fit your needs and budget
Short- & Long-Term Disability Coverage – Financial protection and peace of mind
401(k) with Company Match – Invest in your future with employer contributions
Generous Paid Time Off – Includes vacation days, sick time, and paid holidays
Tuition Reimbursement – Advance your education and grow your career
Career Growth Opportunities – We prioritize internal promotions and professional development
Employee Rewards & Recognition Programs – Celebrating your hard work regularly
Weekly & Monthly Appreciation Events – Because your efforts deserve recognition
Birthday & Work Anniversary Celebrations – We celebrate you
Collaborative, Team-Oriented Culture – Work alongside supportive and dedicated colleagues
Preferred Qualifications:
Active/Valid Illinois license as Physical Therapy Assistant
SNF/Long term care experience preferred.
Current knowledge of treatment practices.
Knowledge of PCC preferred.
See All 112+ Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPhysical Therapist Assistant Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Enhance Rehabilitation17
- Renewal Rehab7
- HealthPRO Heritage6
- Reliant Rehabilitation5
- Illinois Bone & Joint Institute5
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in physical therapist assistant jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois Physical Therapist Assistant license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Associate degree in physical therapist assistant from an accredited program
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support certification
- Experience with electronic medical records and documentation systems
- Ability to work across inpatient, outpatient, or home health settings as assigned
- Strong communication skills for collaborating with supervising physical therapists and patients
Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a physical therapist assistant in Illinois?
To work as a physical therapist assistant in Illinois, you must hold an active license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Licensure requires graduating from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited associate degree program and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs. After passing, you apply for your Illinois PTA license through IDFPR before practicing independently.
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Illinois?
Physical therapist assistants in Illinois earn a median of about $65,240 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $41,600 for the lowest 10% to over $81,890 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire physical therapist assistants in Illinois?
Employers hiring physical therapist assistants in Illinois right now include Enhance Rehabilitation, Renewal Rehab, and HealthPRO Heritage, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's large integrated health systems and rehabilitation networks consistently post openings across both urban medical campuses and suburban outpatient clinics throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most physical therapist assistant jobs?
The Illinois cities with the most physical therapist assistant openings are Chicago, Rockford, and Arlington Heights. Chicago drives the largest share of listings given its concentration of major hospital systems, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities, while Peoria and Rockford reflect strong regional health networks anchored by employers like OSF HealthCare and Mercyhealth that sustain consistent demand outside the metro.
Are there remote physical therapist assistant jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Physical therapist assistant work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring direct patient contact for therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, and progress monitoring. About 0% of physical therapist assistant openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions typically involve telehealth-supported care coordination or administrative supervision roles rather than full clinical caseloads.
How can I get hired as a physical therapist assistant in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to new-graduate positions at large Illinois rehabilitation networks and hospital systems, which regularly onboard recent PTA program graduates. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, OSF HealthCare, and Northwestern Medicine all hire new PTAs and provide structured clinical orientation. Candidates who worked as physical therapy aides, rehabilitation technicians, or certified nursing assistants during school have a practical edge, and holding an active Illinois IDFPR PTA license before applying removes the main hiring barrier.
Where can I find and apply to physical therapist assistant jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to physical therapist assistant jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across hospital systems, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and school-based settings. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly.
See All 112+ Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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