Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Franklin, IN: $44,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Franklin, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,143 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,349 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,645) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective physical therapist assistants in Franklin, IN, can expect a starting annual salary around $44,143 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level pay for new graduates entering the field, which trails the city’s median salary of $62,645 by approximately 29.6%. However, Franklin offers a favorable growth trajectory for early-career professionals. Over the first few years, a PTA can realistically anticipate moving through salary brackets, with potential earnings climbing to around $54,462 at the 25th percentile, and ultimately reaching closer to the median as they gain experience and enhance their skills. Given a projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, the market appears to be stable, making Franklin a viable option for those launching their careers in physical therapy.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Franklin, IN typically start between $44,143 and $54,462 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,646 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,645 — 10.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Indiana of $18,000 represents just 40.78% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,143/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,143 to $54,462, 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 Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin'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 Franklin is $34,646 ( 78.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,143, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,789.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,101
2025 BLS Actual
$42,970
2026 Current Est.
$44,143
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,101 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,452 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,548 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,001 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,895 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,453 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,348 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, IN grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,101 in 2019 to $42,970 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,348. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
In Franklin, outpatient clinics typically lead the way in hiring new graduates, providing a crucial entry point into the profession. While skilled nursing facilities continue to recruit, the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that went into effect in 2022 has affected salary expectations in these settings. Home health agencies often seek candidates with one to two years of experience, making it beneficial for new PTAs to get their start in outpatient environments. Attaining an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state license are essential to unlock higher pay opportunities. Continuing education can also enhance a PTA's qualifications. The APTA offers advanced proficiency credentials that can make candidates more competitive. New graduates should be prepared for modest salary growth in their initial years but can significantly enhance their prospects through experience and further education, positioning themselves well for roles that demand more expertise within the field.
More salary data for Franklin, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Franklin in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Franklin?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Franklin?
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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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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