Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Windsor, CO: $46,696 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Windsor, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,696 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Windsor's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,472 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,045) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of physical therapy assistance in Windsor, Colorado, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected at $46,696 in 2026. This amount reflects the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions and may seem modest compared to the citywide median annual salary of $66,045. New grad physical therapist assistants can typically expect to increase their earnings as they gain experience; for instance, reaching the 25th percentile can bring salaries up to around $57,740 within the first few years. Considering the projected growth rate of 2.73%, Windsor remains a promising market for recent graduates eager to start their careers in physical therapy.
About the Windsor Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Windsor
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 Windsor
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Windsor, CO typically start between $46,696 and $57,740 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,046 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,045 — 5.98% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Colorado of $22,000 represents just 47.11% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,696/year) in Windsor. 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 Windsor
- 1Research the Windsor market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,696 to $57,740, 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Windsor'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 Windsor is $37,046 ( 79.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,696, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,742.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,842
2025 BLS Actual
$45,455
2026 Current Est.
$46,696
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Windsor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,842 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,214 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,488 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,257 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,086 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,179 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,455 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,696 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,971 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Windsor, CO grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,842 in 2019 to $45,455 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,971. New graduates entering the Windsor job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Windsor 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 Windsor
In Windsor, several employers hire new graduates, with outpatient clinics being the primary source of opportunity. Skilled nursing facilities are also known to recruit first-time PTAs, despite recent reimbursement challenges from Medicare cuts that began in 2022. Many home health agencies, however, prefer candidates with one to two years of experience. Aspiring physical therapist assistants in CO should ensure they earn a degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, pass the NPTAE, and obtain their state license. For those looking to enhance their prospects further, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) can be beneficial. In the first couple of years, recent graduates should expect gradual salary progression as they adapt to the profession, particularly in light of the current reimbursement frameworks that affect compensation dynamics within various healthcare settings.
More salary data for Windsor, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Windsor in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Windsor?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Windsor?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Windsor?
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 Windsor. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Windsor 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