Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Radcliff, KY: $45,412 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Radcliff, KY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,412 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Radcliff's local price level (BEA RPP 89.3 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,853 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,395) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Radcliff, KY, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected at $45,412 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level earnings, which, while a solid first step, falls short compared to the city's median salary of $61,395. As new PTAs gain experience over the first three to five years, they can expect their pay to rise significantly, with potential earnings reaching $54,780 by the 25th percentile and navigating closer to the median, reflecting an overall growth trajectory within the profession. Radcliff currently offers a reasonable job market for new graduates, allowing them to build a career in a supportive community, even amid financial considerations like the recent Medicare reimbursement cuts affecting the industry.
About the Radcliff Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Radcliff
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 Radcliff
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Radcliff, KY typically start between $45,412 and $54,780 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,266 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,395 — 12.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kentucky of $13,000 represents just 28.63% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,412/year) in Radcliff. 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 Radcliff
- 1Research the Radcliff market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,412 to $54,780, 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 KY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Radcliff, 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 Radcliff for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Radcliff'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 Radcliff is $30,266 ( 66.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,412, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,678.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,967
2025 BLS Actual
$44,205
2026 Current Est.
$45,412
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Radcliff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,967 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,328 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,512 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,122 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,984 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,535 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,205 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,412 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,652 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Radcliff, KY grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,967 in 2019 to $44,205 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,652. New graduates entering the Radcliff job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Radcliff 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 Radcliff
In Radcliff, various employers actively seek out newly minted physical therapist assistants, primarily outpatient clinics, which continuously recruit fresh talent. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also hire new grads, though they are facing challenges due to adjustments in reimbursement rates. Aspiring PTAs should prioritize obtaining their Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTAE national exam to boost starting pay in Kentucky. Additionally, holding a state PTA license and optional advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can enhance marketability. In the first few years, aspiring PTAs must navigate their roles under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, as enforced by state law and Medicare requirements. Realistic salary growth often reflects a rising trend from initial levels, providing promising prospects for dedicated professionals. With a 2.73% growth rate expected, the path remains fruitful for those committed to advancing their career in a changing market.
More salary data for Radcliff, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Radcliff in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Radcliff?
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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 Radcliff. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Radcliff 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