Pittsburgh vs Wilkes-Barre: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,549 | $62,345▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.67 | $29.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,964▲ | $43,775 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,879 | $54,280▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,264 | $70,637▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,595 | $78,692▲ |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Wilkes-Barre, PA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre is $4,796 (8.33%). Wilkes-Barre's median is -11.25% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $25,631,Wilkes-Barre spans $34,917. Wilkes-Barre has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilkes-Barre ($64,009 effective) pays 5.30% more than Pittsburgh ($60,788 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,345/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,692)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,009)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Pittsburgh grew -1.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.1% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$56,760 (2019) → $56,020 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$61,344 (2024) → $60,688 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Pittsburgh or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Wilkes-Barre as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Pittsburgh vs Wilkes-Barre?
Related Comparisons
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.
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