Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Broomfield, CO: $48,265 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Broomfield, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,265 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Broomfield's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,967 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,897) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Broomfield, Colorado, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected to be $48,265 in 2026. This entry-level wage reflects a noticeable gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $65,897, indicating that early-career PTAs can expect to grow significantly in their earnings as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, many can look forward to increases that take them to the $58,891 mark at the 25th percentile, with further growth as they approach the median salary. Given the city’s healthcare landscape and the projected 2.73% annual growth rate for this profession, Broomfield represents a promising environment for new graduates willing to build their careers.
About the Broomfield Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Broomfield
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 Broomfield
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Broomfield, CO typically start between $48,265 and $58,891 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,886 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,897 — 6.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Colorado of $22,000 represents just 45.58% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($48,265/year) in Broomfield. 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 Broomfield
- 1Research the Broomfield market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $48,265 to $58,891, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Broomfield, 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 Broomfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Broomfield'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 Broomfield is $38,886 ( 80.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,265, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,151.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,912
2025 BLS Actual
$46,982
2026 Current Est.
$48,265
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Broomfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,912 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,296 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,643 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,433 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,744 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,982 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,265 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,582 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Broomfield, CO grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,912 in 2019 to $46,982 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,582. New graduates entering the Broomfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Broomfield 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 Broomfield
Employers in Broomfield that actively hire new grads include outpatient rehabilitation chains, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and various home health agencies. While outpatient clinics tend to accept new PTA graduates, securing a position in home health may be competitive, as most agencies prefer applicants with some clinic experience. To enhance their starting pay in Colorado, new PTAs should ensure they have completed a CAPTE-accredited associate's degree, pass the NPTAE national exam, and obtain their state PTA license. Continuing education and obtaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can also be beneficial. It's critical for new PTAs to strategize their first few years thoroughly, considering the implications of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts, which particularly impact PTAs working in Medicare-dependent settings like SNFs. With the right experience and professional development, salary growth over the initial years is achievable, making Broomfield a viable market for those just beginning their careers.
More salary data for Broomfield, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Broomfield in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Broomfield?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Broomfield?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Broomfield?
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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 Broomfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Broomfield 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