Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Kuna, ID: $46,138 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Kuna, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,138 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kuna's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,413 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,712) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kuna, Idaho, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected to be $46,138 in 2026. While this figure is on the lower end of the local salary spectrum, which has a median of $60,712, it still presents a viable entry point for new graduates. Over the first few years of employment, there is potential for salary growth, with early-career professionals expected to progress through the percentile ranks—from the starting wage up to about $55,262 and eventually towards the median. Given the current market in Kuna, new graduates should feel optimistic; there are opportunities available, especially as the industry is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.73%, creating demand for physical therapist assistants in both outpatient and rehabilitation settings.
About the Kuna Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kuna
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 Kuna
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Kuna, ID typically start between $46,138 and $55,262 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,020 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,712 — 13.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Idaho of $16,000 represents just 34.68% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,138/year) in Kuna. 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 Kuna
- 1Research the Kuna market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,138 to $55,262, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kuna, 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 Kuna for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kuna'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 Kuna is $32,020 ( 69.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,138, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,158.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,462
2025 BLS Actual
$44,912
2026 Current Est.
$46,138
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kuna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,462 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,829 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,064 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,764 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,607 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,671 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,912 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,138 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,398 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Kuna, ID grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,462 in 2019 to $44,912 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,398. New graduates entering the Kuna job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kuna 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 Kuna
Employers in the Kuna area typically favor hiring recent graduates from CAPTE-accredited PTA programs, emphasizing the importance of obtaining a state PTA license as well as passing the NPTAE national exam. While outpatient clinics are the primary employers of new grads, skilled nursing facilities are still hiring despite facing challenges such as Medicare reimbursement cuts, which have reduced PTA pay in settings heavily reliant on Medicare. To improve starting salaries, new physical therapist assistants may consider pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA, enhancing their marketability. In these first few years, as PTAs work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists per state regulations, the expectation for salary growth is moderate, aligning with the industry's recovery from recent economic pressures. Adopting a proactive approach to professional development will not only help maximize earning potential but will also create a solid pathway for career advancement.
More salary data for Kuna, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Kuna in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Kuna?
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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 Kuna. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kuna 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