Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Sedona, AZ: $43,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Sedona, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,982 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sedona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,652 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,656) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Sedona can expect a starting salary of around $43,982, a figure that may feel modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $62,656. This reflects a gap that highlights the financial growth potential as new PTAs gain experience. Over the first few years, salaries are projected to rise gradually, with a 2026 estimate of $58,064 for those at the 25th percentile and the chance of reaching the median salary as they establish their careers. Sedona, with its relatively low cost of living index of 98.5, presents a favorable market for entry-level physical therapist assistants, making it a reasonable choice for new graduates seeking their first job in the profession.
About the Sedona Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sedona
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 Sedona
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Sedona, AZ typically start between $43,982 and $58,064 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,532 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,656 — 10.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Arizona of $18,000 represents just 40.93% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,982/year) in Sedona. 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 Sedona
- 1Research the Sedona market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,982 to $58,064, 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 Sedona, 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 Sedona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sedona'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 Sedona is $34,532 ( 78.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,982, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,514.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,992
2025 BLS Actual
$42,813
2026 Current Est.
$43,982
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Sedona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,992 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,341 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,426 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,859 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,756 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,111 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,813 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,182 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Sedona, AZ grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,992 in 2019 to $42,813 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,182. New graduates entering the Sedona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sedona 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 Sedona
Employment opportunities in Sedona for entry-level physical therapist assistants are promising, particularly with outpatient clinics which tend to hire the most recent graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) may also recruit, despite recent reimbursement cuts that have impacted earnings potential. Home health agencies in the area often prefer candidates with some clinic experience, so obtaining a solid foundation in a clinic setting can be crucial. Credentials such as an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE, and acquiring a state PTA license can enhance starting salaries. Additionally, for those aiming for upward mobility, seeking advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can provide competitive advantages. Given the constraints of Medicare reimbursement cuts, realistic salary growth for entry-level PTAs over the first three years in Sedona might see them moving from $43,982 toward the higher percentiles as they adapt and gain further skills under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
More salary data for Sedona, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Sedona in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Sedona?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Sedona?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Sedona?
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 Sedona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sedona 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