Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Greenwood, IN: $49,231 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Greenwood, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,231 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Greenwood's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,922 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,463) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting in the field of physical therapy as an assistant can present varying financial expectations for new graduates in Greenwood, Indiana. In 2026, entry-level positions are projected to begin around $49,231 annually, significantly lower than the city’s median of $69,463. Although this initial salary may appear modest, it reflects a common pattern in health care professions where entry-level wages are lower but can rise substantially with experience and skill. As physical therapist assistants gain experience, many can anticipate growth to the 25th percentile salary of $60,790 within their first few years, showcasing a steady climb towards the median as they establish their careers. For aspiring PTAs in Greenwood, the market offers reasonable prospects for advancement in a relatively stable environment, enhanced by continued demand within the health sector.
About the Greenwood Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Greenwood
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 Greenwood
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Greenwood, IN typically start between $49,231 and $60,790 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,668 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,463 — 1.12% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Indiana of $18,000 represents just 36.56% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($49,231/year) in Greenwood. 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 Greenwood
- 1Research the Greenwood market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $49,231 to $60,790, 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 Greenwood, 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 Greenwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Greenwood'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 Greenwood is $40,668 ( 82.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,231, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,899.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,571
2025 BLS Actual
$47,923
2026 Current Est.
$49,231
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Greenwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,571 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,963 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,415 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,497 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,263 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,123 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,923 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,231 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,575 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Greenwood, IN grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,571 in 2019 to $47,923 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,575. New graduates entering the Greenwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greenwood 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 Greenwood
Employment opportunities for newly-minted physical therapist assistants in Greenwood often stem from outpatient rehabilitation centers, which tend to be the leading employers for recent graduates. Despite reimbursement challenges from Medicare, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to seek new talent, albeit with a focus on experience for higher positions. In contrast, home health agencies typically prefer candidates with one to two years in the field. For those looking to boost their earning potential early on, credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passage of the NPTAE national exam, and acquiring a state PTA license are essential steps. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further increase starting physical therapist assistant pay in IN. Given that PTAs work under the supervision of physical therapists and must adhere to specific state and Medicare guidelines, those entering the workforce are also advised to consider the current environment and seek settings that allow for skill development. As new professionals gain traction, they can expect moderate salary growth within the first three years, helping establish a solid foundation for their future in this essential healthcare role.
More salary data for Greenwood, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Greenwood in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Greenwood?
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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 Greenwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Greenwood 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