Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Statesboro, GA: $48,609 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Statesboro, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,609 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Statesboro's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,212 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,540) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for newly graduated physical therapist assistants in Statesboro, Georgia, are projected to be around $48,609 in 2026. This figure sits noticeably below the city's median salary of $67,540, suggesting that new grads may have to navigate some financial challenges early in their careers. While this entry-level salary may require some adjustments, the growth potential is apparent: as PTAs gain experience, they can expect their pay to rise through the first few years, with the possibility of reaching approximately $59,468 within just a few years in the field. Given the current demand for healthcare professionals and the projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, Statesboro offers a reasonable market for new graduates seeking to establish themselves in this rewarding profession.
About the Statesboro Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Statesboro
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 Statesboro
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Statesboro, GA typically start between $48,609 and $59,468 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,700 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,540 — 3.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Georgia of $16,000 represents just 32.92% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($48,609/year) in Statesboro. 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 Statesboro
- 1Research the Statesboro market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $48,609 to $59,468, 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 GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Statesboro, 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 Statesboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Statesboro's below-average 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 Statesboro is $37,700 ( 77.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,609, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,309.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,147
2025 BLS Actual
$47,317
2026 Current Est.
$48,609
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Statesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,147 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,533 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,942 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,947 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,728 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,792 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,317 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,609 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,936 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Statesboro, GA grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,147 in 2019 to $47,317 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,936. New graduates entering the Statesboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Statesboro 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 Statesboro
Looking beyond the salary figures, it's essential for new grad physical therapist assistants in GA to be aware of the local job market and employer preferences. Most opportunities for entry-level positions are found in outpatient clinics, where new hires can receive mentorship and training from experienced therapists. Skilled nursing facilities continue to hire despite reimbursement cuts, but these environments may favor candidates with some experience. Credentialing can significantly impact starting pay: obtaining an Associate’s degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE, securing a state PTA license, and gaining a BLS certification may position candidates favorably. For those aiming to maximize their earning potential, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further enhance job prospects. It's important to acknowledge the impact of the 15% Medicare Part B reimbursement cut on PTA salaries, especially in settings heavily reliant on these funds. Realistically, physical therapist assistants can anticipate gradual salary increases in their first three years, particularly if they capitalize on networking opportunities and continue their education in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Statesboro, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Statesboro in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Statesboro?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Statesboro?
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How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Georgia?
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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 Statesboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Statesboro 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