PT Assistant Salary

Lebanon vs Pittsburgh: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Lebanon, PA
$61,823
$29.72/hr
Pittsburgh, PA
$57,549
$27.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLebanon, PAPittsburgh, PA
Median Salary$61,823$57,549
Hourly Rate$29.72$27.67
Entry Level (P10)$49,413$50,964
25th Percentile$52,752$51,879
75th Percentile$74,787$65,264
Top Earner (P90)$77,345$76,595
Total Employed40670
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lebanon ($61,823) and Pittsburgh ($57,549) physical therapist assistant salaries.LebanonPittsburghMedian Salary$61,823$57,549Entry Level (P10)$49,413$50,964Top Earner (P90)$77,345$76,595US Median $70,247

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Lebanon and Pittsburgh is $4,274 (7.43%). Lebanon's median is -11.99% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lebanon spans $27,932,Pittsburgh spans $25,631. Lebanon has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lebanon
P10 (Entry)$49,413
P25$52,752
Median$61,823
P75$74,787
P90 (Top)$77,345
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, Lebanon ($66,324 effective) pays 9.11% more than Pittsburgh ($60,788 effective).

Lebanon
Nominal: $61,823
CoL Index: 93.214
Adjusted: $66,324
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 Lebanon if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,823/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($77,345)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,324)
  • 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 Lebanon grew -11.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.3% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.

Lebanon, PA

+-11.8%

$68,240 (2019) → $60,180 (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: Lebanon or Pittsburgh?

Lebanon has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $61,823/year, compared to Pittsburgh at $57,549/year — a difference of $4,274 (7.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lebanon and Pittsburgh?

Lebanon physical therapist assistants earn $29.72/hr while Pittsburgh hygienists earn $27.67/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lebanon and Pittsburgh. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lebanon = $66,324, Pittsburgh = $60,788), job availability (40 vs 670 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $49,413 in Lebanon and $50,964 in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh 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