Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Richmond, KY: $44,292 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Richmond, KY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,292 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richmond's local price level (BEA RPP 89.3 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,599 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,997) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective physical therapist assistants looking to start their careers in Richmond, KY, can expect to see entry-level salaries around $44,292 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the salary range, contrasting with the overall median annual salary for the area, which stands at $62,997. For new graduates, the initial pay may seem modest, but there is room for growth as they accumulate experience. Within the first three to five years, salaries can progress from $54,892 at the 25th percentile to the median, signaling a viable trajectory in a market that, despite the challenges, remains favorable for new entrants into the profession.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky 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, KY typically start between $44,292 and $54,892 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,063 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,997 — 10.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kentucky of $13,000 represents just 29.35% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,292/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 $44,292 to $54,892, 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 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 $33,063 ( 74.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,292, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,355.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,203
2025 BLS Actual
$43,115
2026 Current Est.
$44,292
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 | $30,203 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,555 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,661 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,133 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,022 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,563 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,115 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,292 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,501 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Richmond, KY grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,203 in 2019 to $43,115 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,501. 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
Employers that commonly recruit newly graduated physical therapist assistants in Richmond include outpatient clinics, which generally prioritize fresh graduates for their practices. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also hire recent graduates, although the recent Medicare reimbursement cuts may have slightly impacted compensation levels. Agencies providing home health services tend to prefer applicants with 1-2 years of clinic experience. New graduates should focus on obtaining key credentials, such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing state licensing. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency certifications through the APTA can enhance earning potential. In the crucial early years of a PTA career, it is vital to navigate the impact of reimbursement changes. With a 2.73% growth rate projected over the next several years, first-time PTAs can expect gradual increases in their salaries as they gain experience and align their skills with the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape in Richmond and beyond.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
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 Kentucky?
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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