Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Bristol, CT: $51,230 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Bristol, CT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,230 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bristol's local price level (BEA RPP 107.9 — 8% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,479 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,014) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field as physical therapist assistants in 2026, the starting physical therapist assistant salary in Bristol, Connecticut presents both challenges and opportunities. At the lower end of the salary spectrum, entry-level positions pay around $51,230, which is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $77,014. This indicates a potential gap that new graduates should be aware of as they begin their careers. However, the growth trajectory for physical therapist assistants is promising; those who start at the 10th percentile can expect gradual salary increases as they gain experience and skills. It's a good time for new grads to explore opportunities in Bristol, considering the city's overall demand and competitive salaries.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bristol
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 Bristol
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Bristol, CT typically start between $51,230 and $69,506 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,757 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,014 — 9.63% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Connecticut of $30,000 represents just 58.56% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($51,230/year) in Bristol. 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 Bristol
- 1Research the Bristol market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $51,230 to $69,506, 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 CT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bristol, 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 Bristol for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bristol'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 Bristol is $51,757 ( 101.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,230, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,987.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,934
2025 BLS Actual
$49,869
2026 Current Est.
$51,230
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,934 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,342 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,934 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,263 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,979 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,589 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,869 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,230 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,629 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Bristol, CT grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,934 in 2019 to $49,869 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,629. New graduates entering the Bristol job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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 Bristol
Employers in Bristol looking to hire new physical therapist assistants typically include outpatient rehabilitation chains, which are more inclined to welcome recent graduates. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still recruit PTAs despite recent reimbursement cuts, they may prefer candidates with some clinic experience. Graduates who have completed a CAPTE-accredited program, passed the NPTAE national exam, and obtained their state PTA license are in a strong position to negotiate starting pay. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can enhance earning potential. New PTAs can expect realistic salary increases in their first few years of practice, particularly as they develop their proficiency under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, which will be crucial in navigating the ongoing effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA services that came into effect in 2022, influencing pay in Medicare-dependent environments.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Bristol in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Bristol?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Bristol?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Bristol?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Connecticut?
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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 Bristol. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol 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