Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Juneau, AK: $50,082 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Juneau, AK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,082 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Juneau's local price level (BEA RPP 106.1 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,203 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,681) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Those embarking on their careers as physical therapist assistants in Juneau, Alaska, can expect a starting annual salary around $50,082 in 2026, which positions them well below the city’s median salary of $73,681. New graduates might initially feel the gap between their income and the broader salary landscape, but they can expect upward growth as they gain experience. In the first three to five years, salaries can rise, potentially reaching $67,418, set by the 25th percentile. This area offers a relatively stable job market for entry-level PTAs, making it a promising choice for those just entering the field.
About the Juneau Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Juneau
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Juneau
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Juneau, AK typically start between $50,082 and $67,418 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,975 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,681 — 4.89% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Alaska of $20,000 represents just 39.93% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($50,082/year) in Juneau. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Juneau
- 1Research the Juneau market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $50,082 to $67,418, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in AK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Juneau, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Juneau for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Juneau's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Juneau is $40,975 ( 81.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,082, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,057.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,151
2025 BLS Actual
$48,751
2026 Current Est.
$50,082
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Juneau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,151 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,549 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,062 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,249 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,993 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,658 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,751 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,082 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,449 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Juneau, AK grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,151 in 2019 to $48,751 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,449. New graduates entering the Juneau job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Juneau metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Juneau
Employment opportunities for fresh graduates typically arise from outpatient rehabilitation chains, which often have structured mentorship programs for new hires. Skilled nursing facilities continue to recruit, although changes in Medicare reimbursements have impacted pay, particularly due to the 15% cut effective 2022. To kickstart their careers, individuals should focus on obtaining an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE exam, and securing state licensure—all essential credentials in Alaska. While it may take one to three years for salaries to stabilize and begin increasing with experience, newly minted PTAs should remain informed about developments in reimbursement policies and consider continuing education options to enhance their earning potential in this evolving environment.
More salary data for Juneau, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Juneau in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Juneau?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Juneau?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Juneau?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Alaska?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alaska
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Juneau. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Juneau is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov