PT Assistant Salary

Weirton vs Wheeling: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Weirton, WV and Wheeling, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Weirton, WV
$59,655
$28.68/hr
Wheeling, WV
$67,062
$32.25/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricWeirton, WVWheeling, WV
Median Salary$59,655$67,062
Hourly Rate$28.68$32.25
Entry Level (P10)$47,266$49,660
25th Percentile$57,724$59,943
75th Percentile$65,069$74,469
Top Earner (P90)$79,051$82,318
Total Employed60100
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Weirton ($59,655) and Wheeling ($67,062) physical therapist assistant salaries.WeirtonWheelingMedian Salary$59,655$67,062Entry Level (P10)$47,266$49,660Top Earner (P90)$79,051$82,318US Median $70,247

Verdict

Wheeling, WV offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Weirton.

The salary gap between Weirton and Wheeling is $7,407 (12.42%). Wheeling's median is -4.53% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Weirton spans $31,785,Wheeling spans $32,658. Wheeling has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.

Weirton
P10 (Entry)$47,266
P25$57,724
Median$59,655
P75$65,069
P90 (Top)$79,051
Wheeling
P10 (Entry)$49,660
P25$59,943
Median$67,062
P75$74,469
P90 (Top)$82,318

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Wheeling ($75,928 effective) pays 13.31% more than Weirton ($67,010 effective).

Weirton
Nominal: $59,655
CoL Index: 89.024
Adjusted: $67,010
Wheeling
Nominal: $67,062
CoL Index: 88.323
Adjusted: $75,928

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Weirton if…

  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Wheeling if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,062/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,318)
  • Larger job market (100 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,928)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Weirton grew 8.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Wheeling over the same period.

Weirton, WV

+8.1%

$53,730 (2019) → $58,070 (2025)

Wheeling, WV

+13.8%

$57,340 (2019) → $65,280 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Weirton or Wheeling?

Wheeling has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $67,062/year, compared to Weirton at $59,655/year — a difference of $7,407 (12.42%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Weirton and Wheeling?

Weirton physical therapist assistants earn $28.68/hr while Wheeling hygienists earn $32.25/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Weirton to Wheeling as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Weirton and Wheeling. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Weirton = $67,010, Wheeling = $75,928), job availability (60 vs 100 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Weirton vs Wheeling?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $47,266 in Weirton and $49,660 in Wheeling. The Wheeling area offers higher starting salaries.
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