Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Durango, CO: $49,156 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Durango, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,156 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Durango's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,815 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,704) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting physical therapist assistant salary in Durango, CO is projected to be around $49,156, which sets a baseline for new graduates entering the workforce. While this figure is notably below the city median salary of $62,704, it reflects a realistic starting point for many individuals fresh out of their CAPTE-accredited programs. Over the first three to five years, early-career PTAs can anticipate gradual salary growth, moving from entry-level compensation toward the $57,966 mark, which represents the 25th percentile in the salary range for the area. Given the local demand for rehabilitation services, especially in outpatient settings, the job market does present opportunities for new grads to establish themselves and progress in their careers.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Durango
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 Durango
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Durango, CO typically start between $49,156 and $57,966 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,202 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,704 — 10.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Colorado of $22,000 represents just 44.76% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($49,156/year) in Durango. 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 Durango
- 1Research the Durango market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $49,156 to $57,966, 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 Durango, 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 Durango for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Durango'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 Durango is $29,202 ( 59.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,156, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,358.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,520
2025 BLS Actual
$47,850
2026 Current Est.
$49,156
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,911 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,358 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,431 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,198 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,643 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,156 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,498 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Durango, CO grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,520 in 2019 to $47,850 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,498. New graduates entering the Durango job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durango 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 Durango
Employers in Durango predominantly hiring entry-level physical therapist assistants include outpatient rehabilitation clinics and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). While home health agencies often seek candidates with one to two years of experience, the outpatient chains are more accommodating to recent graduates. To enhance starting pay in Colorado, it is crucial for new PTAs to obtain the necessary credentials: a CAPTE-accredited associate's degree, passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing a state PTA license. Additionally, engaging in continuing education and pursuing advanced proficiency credentials from the APTA can further elevate salary potential. Realistically, early-career PTA salaries in Durango may see 2.73% growth annually, which is vital to consider in the context of recent changes in Medicare reimbursement policies affecting how PTAs are compensated in settings heavily relying on Medicare funding.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Durango in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Durango?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Durango?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Durango?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Colorado?
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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 Durango. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Durango 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