Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Loveland, CO: $43,014 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Loveland, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,014 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Loveland's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,966 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,134) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting physical therapist assistant salary in Loveland, CO, is projected at $43,014 in 2026, a figure that presents a substantial gap when compared to the overall median salary of $61,134 for this role in the city. New graduates can expect to see a gradual increase as they gain experience, with the potential to reach $53,267 by climbing to the 25th percentile after a few years. This growth trajectory, bolstered by an annual growth rate of 2.73%, makes Loveland a viable market for entry-level PTAs, especially as employers in the region recognize the importance of fresh perspectives from newly minted graduates. While this starting pay is lower than the national median of $70,247, local cost-of-living adjustments suggest that new grad physical therapist assistant pay in CO can still be competitive for those entering the field.
About the Loveland Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Loveland
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 Loveland
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Loveland, CO typically start between $43,014 and $53,267 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,558 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,134 — 12.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Colorado of $22,000 represents just 51.15% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,014/year) in Loveland. 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 Loveland
- 1Research the Loveland market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,014 to $53,267, 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 Loveland, 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 Loveland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Loveland'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 Loveland is $35,558 ( 82.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,014, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,572.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,332
2025 BLS Actual
$41,871
2026 Current Est.
$43,014
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Loveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,332 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,674 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,004 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,925 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,871 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,014 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,188 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Loveland, CO grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,332 in 2019 to $41,871 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,188. New graduates entering the Loveland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Loveland 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 Loveland
In Loveland, several employers actively recruit new physical therapist assistants, primarily outpatient rehabilitation chains and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), despite recent cuts to Medicare reimbursements. Many home health agencies prefer to hire PTAs with some clinic experience, making it essential for new grads to consider internship opportunities or entry-level positions that allow them to build their skills and networks. To enhance their earning potential in Colorado, new PTAs should focus on obtaining their state license, passing the NPTAE national exam, and actively pursuing certifications in advanced proficiency through APTA. Given the 15% decrease in Medicare Part B reimbursements for PTA-provided services, the immediate evolution in job settings is crucial; PTAs frequently work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, which may affect their growth trajectory. With realistic expectations for salary growth in the first three years, new graduates can still carve out successful careers in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Loveland, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Loveland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Loveland 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