Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by IL Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in Illinois, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in Illinois
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$64,630 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#20 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: State exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of 64,630, Physical Therapist Assistants in Illinois earn 1% below the national median of 65510. Illinois ranks #20 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$64,630Hourly estimate
$31.071% below national median
Difference: -$880
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking
#20 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 79,410 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | 77,780 |
| #3 | Alaska | 76,310 |
| #4 | Texas | 76,250 |
| #5 | New Jersey | 74,780 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physical Therapist Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $64,630 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $61,890 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $60,720 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $60,940 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $62,400 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $62,890 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Wisconsin | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Iowa | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Official Licensing Agency
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $84,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $67,610 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $66,940 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $47,430 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Physical Therapist Assistants in Illinois?
Illinois lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Physical Therapist Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Illinois?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Illinois is 64,630. Salaries range from 51560 (10th percentile) to 86310 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in Illinois earn 1% below the national median of 65510, with a state median of 64,630.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 4320 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapist Assistants in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.