Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Richmond, IN: $42,388 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Richmond, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,388 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richmond's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,427 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,012) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, Indiana, the entry-level physical therapist assistant salary for 2026 is projected to start at around $42,388. This figure marks a notable gap from the city's median salary of $62,012, highlighting the range that new graduates may realistically expect as they embark on their careers. Over the first few years, entry-level professionals can anticipate increased earnings as they progress from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, leading towards the median within three to five years. Richmond currently represents a relatively stable market for new graduates in the physical therapist assistant field, as demand remains steady despite fluctuations in healthcare reimbursements.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richmond
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 Richmond
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Richmond, IN typically start between $42,388 and $56,917 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,527 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,012 — 11.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Indiana of $18,000 represents just 42.46% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($42,388/year) in Richmond. 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 Richmond
- 1Research the Richmond market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $42,388 to $56,917, 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richmond'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 Richmond is $34,527 ( 81.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,388, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,915.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,905
2025 BLS Actual
$41,262
2026 Current Est.
$42,388
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,905 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,242 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,215 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,451 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,388 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,891 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,262 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,388 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,546 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Richmond, IN grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,905 in 2019 to $41,262 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,546. New graduates entering the Richmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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 Richmond
New grads in Richmond can find employment opportunities primarily through outpatient rehabilitation chains, which are among the largest employers of entry-level physical therapist assistants. Skilled nursing facilities still recruit new PTA graduates, even amid recent reimbursement cuts. For those seeking to increase their starting salaries, acquiring an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are essential. It's also beneficial to stay informed about continuing education opportunities to gain advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA. Career strategy for the first few years should focus on maximizing clinic experience under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, as PTAs are subject to state and Medicare regulations. New graduates should realistically aim for gradual salary growth in their first three years, keeping in mind the impact that Medicare's 15% reimbursement cut might have on pay dynamics in facilities reliant on Medicare revenue.
More salary data for Richmond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Richmond in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Richmond?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Richmond?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Richmond?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Indiana?
Related Pages
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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 Richmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richmond 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