PT Assistant Salary

Chambersburg vs Pittsburgh: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Chambersburg, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chambersburg, PA
$69,024
$33.18/hr
Pittsburgh, PA
$57,549
$27.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChambersburg, PAPittsburgh, PA
Median Salary$69,024$57,549
Hourly Rate$33.18$27.67
Entry Level (P10)$52,146$50,964
25th Percentile$60,333$51,879
75th Percentile$77,458$65,264
Top Earner (P90)$79,575$76,595
Total Employed60670
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chambersburg ($69,024) and Pittsburgh ($57,549) physical therapist assistant salaries.ChambersburgPittsburghMedian Salary$69,024$57,549Entry Level (P10)$52,146$50,964Top Earner (P90)$79,575$76,595US Median $70,247

Verdict

Chambersburg, PA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.

The salary gap between Chambersburg and Pittsburgh is $11,475 (19.94%). Chambersburg's median is -1.74% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chambersburg spans $27,429,Pittsburgh spans $25,631. Chambersburg has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chambersburg
P10 (Entry)$52,146
P25$60,333
Median$69,024
P75$77,458
P90 (Top)$79,575
Pittsburgh
P10 (Entry)$50,964
P25$51,879
Median$57,549
P75$65,264
P90 (Top)$76,595

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chambersburg ($72,932 effective) pays 19.98% more than Pittsburgh ($60,788 effective).

Chambersburg
Nominal: $69,024
CoL Index: 94.642
Adjusted: $72,932
Pittsburgh
Nominal: $57,549
CoL Index: 94.671
Adjusted: $60,788

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chambersburg if…

  • Higher median salary ($69,024/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($79,575)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,932)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Pittsburgh if…

  • Larger job market (670 employed)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Chambersburg grew 18.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.3% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.

Chambersburg, PA

+18.6%

$56,640 (2019) → $67,190 (2025)

Pittsburgh, PA

+-1.3%

$56,760 (2019) → $56,020 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Chambersburg or Pittsburgh?

Chambersburg has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $69,024/year, compared to Pittsburgh at $57,549/year — a difference of $11,475 (19.94%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chambersburg and Pittsburgh?

Chambersburg physical therapist assistants earn $33.18/hr while Pittsburgh hygienists earn $27.67/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chambersburg to Pittsburgh as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chambersburg and Pittsburgh. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chambersburg = $72,932, Pittsburgh = $60,788), job availability (60 vs 670 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Chambersburg vs Pittsburgh?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $52,146 in Chambersburg and $50,964 in Pittsburgh. The Chambersburg 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