Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Rogers, AR: $52,521 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Rogers, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,521 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rogers's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,438 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,324) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the workforce as a new graduate physical therapist assistant in Rogers, Arkansas, offers promising compensation prospects in 2026. With a starting salary around $52,521, recent graduates can anticipate a considerable growth trajectory within the first few years of their careers. This entry-level pay contrasts with the city's median annual salary of $76,324, indicating a clear pathway for advancement as professionals gain experience. Salary expectations could rise significantly over the next three to five years, with the possibility of reaching the 25th percentile at $65,616 and further towards the median as they refine their skills and take on more responsibilities. The job market in Rogers presents a solid opportunity for entry-level PTAs, particularly with healthcare services continuously evolving and adapting to community needs.
About the Rogers Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rogers
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 Rogers
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Rogers, AR typically start between $52,521 and $65,616 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,077 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,324 — 8.65% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Arkansas of $11,000 represents just 20.94% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($52,521/year) in Rogers. 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 Rogers
- 1Research the Rogers market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $52,521 to $65,616, 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 AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rogers, 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 Rogers for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rogers's below-average 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 Rogers is $47,077 ( 89.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,521, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,598.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,814
2025 BLS Actual
$51,125
2026 Current Est.
$52,521
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Rogers (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,814 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,232 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,915 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,086 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,125 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,521 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,955 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Rogers, AR grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,814 in 2019 to $51,125 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,955. New graduates entering the Rogers job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rogers 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 Rogers
Employers in Rogers that are accommodating to new graduates include outpatient rehabilitation chains, which generally seek to onboard recent PTA graduates given their demand for fresh talent. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) remain a viable option for employment, some may prefer candidates with one to two years of experience due to recent changes in Medicare reimbursement models. As a new PTA, obtaining an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and acquiring a state PTA license will provide a robust foundation. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can enhance earning potential. Realistic salary growth expectations within the initial years reflect the competitive landscape, particularly as recent Medicare cuts apply pressure on PTA compensation metrics in heavily Medicare-dependent environments, like clinics and SNFs. By understanding the dynamics of the local job market and aligning education credentials with employer needs, new graduates can position themselves for success as they embark on their careers in this field.
More salary data for Rogers, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Rogers in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Rogers?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Rogers?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Rogers?
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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 Rogers. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rogers 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