PT Assistant Salary

Bartlett vs Memphis: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Bartlett, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bartlett, TN
$64,564
$31.05/hr
Memphis, TN
$63,241
$30.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBartlett, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$64,564$63,241
Hourly Rate$31.05$30.41
Entry Level (P10)$44,378$48,560
25th Percentile$55,468$57,703
75th Percentile$74,379$78,198
Top Earner (P90)$81,834$82,461
Total Employed13490
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bartlett ($64,564) and Memphis ($63,241) physical therapist assistant salaries.BartlettMemphisMedian Salary$64,564$63,241Entry Level (P10)$44,378$48,560Top Earner (P90)$81,834$82,461US Median $70,247

Verdict

Bartlett and Memphis are closely matched on overall physical therapist assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Bartlett and Memphis is $1,323 (2.09%). Bartlett's median is -8.09% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bartlett spans $37,456,Memphis spans $33,901. Bartlett has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bartlett
P10 (Entry)$44,378
P25$55,468
Median$64,564
P75$74,379
P90 (Top)$81,834
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$48,560
P25$57,703
Median$63,241
P75$78,198
P90 (Top)$82,461

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bartlett ($70,331 effective) pays 2.51% more than Memphis ($68,607 effective).

Bartlett
Nominal: $64,564
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $70,331
Memphis
Nominal: $63,241
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $68,607

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bartlett if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,564/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,331)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($82,461)
  • Larger job market (490 employed)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Bartlett grew 3.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Bartlett, TN

+3.1%

$60,935 (2024) → $62,848 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+13.8%

$54,100 (2019) → $61,560 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Bartlett or Memphis?

Bartlett has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $64,564/year, compared to Memphis at $63,241/year — a difference of $1,323 (2.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bartlett and Memphis?

Bartlett physical therapist assistants earn $31.05/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $30.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bartlett to Memphis as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bartlett and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bartlett = $70,331, Memphis = $68,607), job availability (13 vs 490 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Bartlett vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $44,378 in Bartlett and $48,560 in Memphis. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov