Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Kingman, AZ: $48,792 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Kingman, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,792 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingman's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,535 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,193) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of physical therapy assistance in Kingman, AZ can expect an entry-level physical therapist assistant salary peaking at approximately $48,792. While this starting pay may appear modest compared to the city median salary of $64,193, it sets the stage for considerable growth over the first few years. With the potential to gradually advance to $57,009 at the 25th percentile and eventually reach the median salary, early-career professionals in Kingman can look forward to a projected increase in earnings as they gain experience. Given the relative cost of living in Kingman, which stands slightly below the national average at a cost index of 98.5, this entry-level pay can serve as a reasonable foundation for new graduates seeking employment in this municipality.
About the Kingman Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingman
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 Kingman
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Kingman, AZ typically start between $48,792 and $57,009 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,017 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,193 — 8.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Arizona of $18,000 represents just 36.89% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($48,792/year) in Kingman. 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 Kingman
- 1Research the Kingman market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $48,792 to $57,009, 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 AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kingman, 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 Kingman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingman'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 Kingman is $34,017 ( 69.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,792, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,809.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,271
2025 BLS Actual
$47,495
2026 Current Est.
$48,792
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kingman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,271 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,659 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,081 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,109 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,885 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,062 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,495 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,792 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,124 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Kingman, AZ grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,271 in 2019 to $47,495 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,124. New graduates entering the Kingman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingman 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 Kingman
For those starting their careers, it’s essential to understand where the job opportunities exist in Kingman. Outpatient rehabilitation chains frequently hire new PTA graduates, while skilled nursing facilities continue to recruit even amidst recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. Home health agencies, however, typically prefer candidates with some clinic experience. Credentials play a critical role in determining salary potential in Arizona; aspiring PTAs should focus on obtaining an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE, and acquiring their state PTA license. Continuing education and pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through organizations like APTA can also enhance initial pay. In navigating the first few years, it’s vital for new professionals to be aware of the current industry challenges, such as the 15% payment cuts for Medicare-reliant settings, and focus on growth opportunities like bridging to a DPT, which may open doors for higher salaries down the line.
More salary data for Kingman, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Kingman in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Kingman?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Kingman?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Kingman?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Arizona?
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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 Kingman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingman 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