Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Russellville, AR: $47,679 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Russellville, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,679 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Russellville's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,867 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,828) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective physical therapist assistants entering the workforce in Russellville, Arkansas, can expect to start with a salary around $47,679, significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $62,828. This initial salary reflects the landscape for new graduates in 2026 and highlights a considerable gap for those just entering the profession. However, over the first few years, there is a promising growth trajectory leading from this starting figure to about $57,138 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median. Given this upward mobility, Russellville presents a viable market for new PTAs, especially for candidates willing to strategically navigate their early careers in an evolving healthcare environment.
About the Russellville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Russellville
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 Russellville
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Russellville, AR typically start between $47,679 and $57,138 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,280 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,828 — 10.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Arkansas of $11,000 represents just 23.07% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,679/year) in Russellville. 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 Russellville
- 1Research the Russellville market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,679 to $57,138, 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 Russellville, 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 Russellville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Russellville'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 Russellville is $33,280 ( 69.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,679, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,959.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,513
2025 BLS Actual
$46,412
2026 Current Est.
$47,679
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Russellville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,513 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,892 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,235 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,126 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,930 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,895 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,412 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,679 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,981 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Russellville, AR grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,513 in 2019 to $46,412 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,981. New graduates entering the Russellville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Russellville 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 Russellville
In Russellville, various employers actively recruit new graduates, with outpatient facilities being the primary source of entry-level opportunities. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still offer positions for recent graduates, despite historical reimbursement challenges, while home health agencies typically prefer candidates with some experience, ideally 1-2 years in more traditional clinical settings. To enhance their employability and starting pay in Arkansas, new PTAs should ensure they hold an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and obtain state licensure. Additionally, pursuing continuing education or advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can open doors for better positions. In the first few years, strategies may need to include accepting roles that comply with supervision requirements, knowing that the 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts from CMS for PTA services have aimed to compress pay in SNFs. As they gain experience, new physical therapist assistants in Russellville can expect gradual salary growth that reflects their increased expertise and contribution to patient care.
More salary data for Russellville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Russellville in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Russellville?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Russellville?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Russellville?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Arkansas?
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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 Russellville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Russellville 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