Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Louisville, CO: $46,245 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Louisville, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,245 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Louisville's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,043 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,338) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Louisville can expect a starting salary significantly below the city's median. The projected entry-level physical therapist assistant salary for 2026 is $46,245, compared to a median annual salary of $62,338 for PTAs. This difference highlights the gap between initial earnings and average pay, positioning new grads on a path where they can see growth from P10 figures toward higher earnings. In just a few years, those with the right experience and credentials could progress to the P25 level of $55,769 and even approach the median as they gain more skills and build their professional reputation. Given these factors, Louisville presents a solid market for new graduates, especially considering the 2.73% growth rate projected annually.
About the Louisville Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Louisville
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 Louisville
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Louisville, CO typically start between $46,245 and $55,769 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,820 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,338 — 11.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Colorado of $22,000 represents just 47.57% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,245/year) in Louisville. 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 Louisville
- 1Research the Louisville market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,245 to $55,769, 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 Louisville, 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 Louisville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Louisville'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 Louisville is $30,820 ( 66.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,245, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,065.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,535
2025 BLS Actual
$45,016
2026 Current Est.
$46,245
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,535 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,902 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,145 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,859 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,699 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,718 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,016 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,245 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,507 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Louisville, CO grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,535 in 2019 to $45,016 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,507. New graduates entering the Louisville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Louisville 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 Louisville
Several employers in Louisville are on the lookout for freshly graduated physical therapist assistants. Outpatient chains commonly hire new PTA grads, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still recruit despite the challenges posed by reimbursement cuts. However, home health agencies tend to favor applicants with 1-2 years of clinical experience, making early job placements paramount for new PTAs. Graduates who earn their Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and acquire their state PTA license can set the foundation for higher pay. Additionally, obtaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA may enhance earning potential. Given the impact of the 15% cut to Medicare reimbursements for PTA services, especially in SNFs, initial salary growth may be slower in those settings, urging new graduates to seek diverse work environments during their first three years in the profession.
More salary data for Louisville, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Louisville in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Louisville?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Louisville?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Louisville?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Colorado?
Related Pages
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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 Louisville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Louisville 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