Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Sherwood, AR: $43,273 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Sherwood, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,273 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sherwood's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,796 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,160) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant role in Sherwood, Arkansas can expect a starting salary around $43,273, which reflects the 10th percentile for this profession. This is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $63,160. Over the first three to five years, fresh graduates can anticipate a gradual salary increase, moving towards the 25th percentile salary of $56,444 as they gain experience and build their skills. Given the projected growth rate of 2.73% annually, Sherwood appears to be a stable market for entry-level positions, offering opportunities for those willing to commit and advance in their careers.
About the Sherwood Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sherwood
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 Sherwood
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Sherwood, AR typically start between $43,273 and $56,444 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,762 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,160 — 10.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Arkansas of $11,000 represents just 25.42% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,273/year) in Sherwood. 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 Sherwood
- 1Research the Sherwood market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,273 to $56,444, 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 Sherwood, 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 Sherwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sherwood'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 Sherwood is $38,762 ( 89.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,273, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,035.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,508
2025 BLS Actual
$42,123
2026 Current Est.
$43,273
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Sherwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,508 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,852 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,887 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,233 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,148 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,598 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,123 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,273 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,454 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Sherwood, AR grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,508 in 2019 to $42,123 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,454. New graduates entering the Sherwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sherwood 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 Sherwood
For those looking to secure a position as a physical therapist assistant in Sherwood, several local employers focus on hiring new graduates, particularly in outpatient rehabilitation facilities, which typically offer the most openings. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit, recent cuts to reimbursement rates may impact the hiring landscape and salary structures in those settings. New PTAs should prioritize obtaining an associate’s degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE, and securing their state license to enhance employability. Although home health agencies often prefer candidates with one to two years of experience, the right credentials and ongoing education can help improve starting physical therapist assistant pay in AR. In the first three years, salary growth expectations should remain realistic; as PTAs continue to work under the supervision of physical therapists, their earning potential will likely improve with various career development pathways, including bridge programs to advance toward a DPT.
More salary data for Sherwood, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Sherwood in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Sherwood?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Sherwood?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Sherwood?
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 Sherwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sherwood 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