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Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

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How much do physical therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical therapy assistant in Decatur, IL is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.11 and $34.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Physical Therapy Assistants Do?

Physical Therapy Assistants help patients during rehabilitation from injury, surgery, or a chronic condition. They work under the direction of a Primary Physical Therapist. As a Physical Therapy Assistant, you work with patients on exercises, stretches, and therapies prescribed by their doctor and physical therapist. Before they start workouts, you may set up heat or cold therapy for the patients to enable them to relax their muscles and reduce pain. You then instruct the patients on how to perform the treatments prescribed by their doctor and the physical therapist. Examples of exercises used during physical therapy include arm lifts on a weight machine, pedaling on a stationary bike, or forward lunges. You move with the patient from station to station, ensuring they have proper form, and document their progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physical Therapy Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physical Therapy Assistant, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, therapeutic exercise techniques, and must hold an associate degree from an accredited PTA program along with state licensure. Familiarity with rehabilitation equipment, documentation software, and understanding of HIPAA regulations are typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to motivate patients are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure effective patient care, compliance with regulations, and successful rehabilitation outcomes.

What are some common challenges Physical Therapy Assistants face when working with diverse patient populations?

Physical Therapy Assistants often encounter patients with a wide range of conditions, ages, and backgrounds, which can make communication and treatment planning challenging. Adapting exercises and motivational strategies to fit individual patient needs requires flexibility and creativity. Additionally, PTAs must be attentive to language barriers, cultural differences, and varying levels of patient engagement to ensure effective rehabilitation. Collaboration with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals is essential to deliver personalized care and achieve the best outcomes.

What does a Physical Therapy Assistant do?

A Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to help patients recover from injuries or manage physical conditions. PTAs assist with implementing treatment plans, guiding patients through exercises, and using therapeutic modalities such as massage or ultrasound. They also monitor patient progress, document treatments, and educate patients and their families about exercises and care techniques. Their goal is to help patients improve mobility, reduce pain, and regain function.

What kind of PTAs make the most money?

Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) with advanced certifications, specialized skills, or experience in high-demand settings such as outpatient clinics, sports medicine, or skilled nursing facilities tend to earn higher salaries. PTAs working in regions with a higher cost of living or in private practices may also earn more than those in public or rural settings.

What is the difference between Physical Therapy Assistant vs Physical Therapist?

AspectPhysical Therapy AssistantPhysical Therapist
CredentialsAssociate's degree in Physical Therapy Assisting, licensure or certificationBachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in Physical Therapy, state licensure
Work EnvironmentAssist in patient care under supervision, clinics, hospitals, rehab centersEvaluate patients, develop treatment plans, oversee assistants
Employer & IndustryHospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab facilitiesHospitals, private practices, clinics, research settings

The main difference is that Physical Therapy Assistants support Physical Therapists by providing hands-on care under supervision, while Physical Therapists evaluate patients and create treatment plans. Both roles work closely in similar settings, but the Physical Therapist has a broader scope of practice and advanced credentials.

More about Physical Therapy Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Therapy jobs in Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Physical Therapy jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Physical Therapy Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Physical Therapy Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Physical Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Physical Therapy Assistant job openings:
Physical Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant

Athletico Physical Therapy

Decatur, IL

$27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Athletico Physical Therapy rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 168 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

488th of 864 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Position Overview

About Us: 

At Athletico, we believe in the power of support - because a little help can lead to extraordinary achievements. Physical therapyisn'tjust about recovery;it'sabout transformation. Our team thrives on providing life-changing care for our patients, and we know that achieving this begins with taking care of our own. 

Our mission is simple yet powerful:Extraordinary people improving lives.

Join us for a conversation to be a part of this awesome team!Position Summary: Our Physical Therapist Assistant's role is to enhance your patient's health and quality of life. You will be exposed to a culture of teamwork, continuous learning, and growth. Work with a variety of specialties while you grow your skills and your future as a physical therapist assistant!

Unique and Competitive Benefits offered with this full-time position:

  • New for 2026! Athletico clinicians are supported by Generative AI Documentation Scribe - purpose-built AI technology that automatically generates compliant clinical documentation in real time, so you can stay fully present with your patients and deliver the meaningful, undivided care they deserve.  
  • Yearly Continuing Education Allowance, access to MedBridge and Athletico University, and an additional 5 days of PTO dedicated towards your Continuing Education
  • Strategic Mentorship programs
  • Leadership programs
  • Incentives based on quality care and patient outcomes rather than visits per week
  • 900 plus locations in 25 states (top notch care since 1991!)
  • Residency Programs and more (Athletico will reimburse 100% of curriculum costs!)

Additional Benefits offered with this full-time position: 

  • Medical & Rx, Dental and Vision (eligibility begins day one of employment) 
  • HSA, Healthcare FSA, Dependent Care FSA 
  • Progyny Fertility Benefit 
  • Critical Illness, Accident, & Hospital Indemnity Insurance 
  • Company Paid Basic Life / AD&D 
  • Supplemental Life Insurance (Employee, Spouse, Child) 
  • Company Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability 
  • Long-Term Disability Buy-Up Option 
  • Company Paid Maternity & Parental Leave 
  • Adoption & Surrogacy Expense Reimbursement 
  • KinderCare Discount 
  • Legal & Credit Monitoring 
  • Student Loan Repayment Program (eligible clinicians only) 
  • 17 days PTO (accrual starts immediately upon hire) 
  • 6 Major Holidays off plus 2 floating holidays yearly 
  • 5 CEU PTO Days 
  • Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy benefits as an employee 
  • Bereavement Time Off & Resources 
  • Commuter: Pre-Tax Transit & Parking 
  • Retirement 401(k) w/ Per-Pay Company Match 
  • SoFi Financial Wellness Tools & Loan Resources 
  • HUSK Fitness Resources & Gym Discounts 
  • Home, Auto, and Pet Insurance 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
  • Employee Discount Program 
  • Learn more by checking out our 2026 Athletico's Benefits Summary. 

Qualifications:

  • Degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Program
  • Current Professional licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant or license eligible based on the rules and regulations of the state you are applying
  • Current CPR Certification

Athletico clinicians are energetic and service minded team players that provide exceptional patient care and service. State licenses must be maintained. All compliance standards must be completed as requested.

Click here to read the fill job description. 

 

Athletico provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Salaried ranges listed are for full time (40 hour) employees. Additional pay such as incentive, GAP, overtime, and stipends are subject to the rules of each program and may not be available in all locations. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.

Minimum Salary/WageUSD $27.00/Hr.Maximum Salary/WageUSD$ 33.75 Hr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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