Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Fishers, IN: $42,868 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Fishers, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,868 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fishers's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,953 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,573) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the physical therapist assistant (PTA) field in Fishers, Indiana, understanding starting pay is crucial. In 2026, the entry-level physical therapist assistant salary in Fishers is projected to begin at $42,868, creating a noticeable gap compared to the city median of $63,573. Early-career PTAs will find that the path toward higher wages can be encouraging, with potential earnings growing from the initial range up to $53,995 at the 25th percentile over the first few years in the field. This upward movement suggests that Fishers presents a viable market for new PTAs, especially with a projected growth rate of 2.73% annually that promises incremental increases as they gain experience.
About the Fishers Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fishers
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 Fishers
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Fishers, IN typically start between $42,868 and $53,995 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,867 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,573 — 9.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Indiana of $18,000 represents just 41.99% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($42,868/year) in Fishers. 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 Fishers
- 1Research the Fishers market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $42,868 to $53,995, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fishers, 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 Fishers for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fishers'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 Fishers is $42,867 ( 100.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,868, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,735.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,232
2025 BLS Actual
$41,729
2026 Current Est.
$42,868
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Fishers (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,232 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,573 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,579 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,875 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,316 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,729 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,868 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,039 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Fishers, IN grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,232 in 2019 to $41,729 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,039. New graduates entering the Fishers job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fishers 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 Fishers
New graduates will likely find opportunities within outpatient clinics, where many employers are willing to hire novice PTAs. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still recruit despite reimbursement challenges, while home health agencies might prioritize applicants with some clinical experience. Completing an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are essential credentials that contribute to enhanced starting salaries. Additionally, pursuing continuing education through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) may lead to higher pay, particularly in challenging market conditions influenced by the 15% Medicare cuts to PTA services initiated in 2022. In the first three years, realistic salary growth for new graduates in Fishers can be anticipated, allowing room for improvement as they adapt to this evolving health care environment.
More salary data for Fishers, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Fishers in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Fishers?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Fishers?
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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 Fishers. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fishers 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