Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Augusta, ME: $50,382 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Augusta, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,382 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Augusta's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,584 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,975) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a career as a physical therapist assistant in Augusta, ME, the entry-level salary presents both challenges and opportunities. With a projected starting salary of $50,382 in 2026, new graduates can anticipate a considerable gap when compared to the city’s median salary of $65,975. This initial entry-level pay is positioned at the lower end of the salary spectrum but shows a promising growth trajectory that can lead from $50,382 at the 10th percentile to $60,017 at the 25th percentile, ultimately approaching the median over the first few years in the field. Given Augusta's evolving healthcare landscape and the demand for rehabilitative services, the market currently appears welcoming for new graduates, provided they prepare strategically for their first few roles in the profession.
About the Augusta Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Augusta
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 Augusta
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Augusta, ME typically start between $50,382 and $60,017 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,848 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,975 — 6.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Maine of $22,000 represents just 43.67% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($50,382/year) in Augusta. 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 Augusta
- 1Research the Augusta market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $50,382 to $60,017, 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 ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Augusta, 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 Augusta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Augusta's moderate 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 Augusta is $32,848 ( 65.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,382, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,230.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,356
2025 BLS Actual
$49,043
2026 Current Est.
$50,382
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,356 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,756 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,289 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,514 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,726 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,043 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,382 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,757 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Augusta, ME grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,356 in 2019 to $49,043 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,757. New graduates entering the Augusta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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 Augusta
In Augusta, various employers actively seek out new graduates for entry-level physical therapist assistant positions. Outpatient clinics represent the primary hiring sector, while skilled nursing facilities continue to recruit, despite tighter reimbursement rates after the 15% Medicare Part B cut that occurred in 2022. Home health agencies typically prefer candidates with a couple of years of clinic experience, which can present a challenge for fresh graduates. To enhance their starting pay and career prospects, new PTAs should ensure they obtain their associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE exam, and secure their state PTA license. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can set candidates apart. In the first three years, salary growth expectations should align with the market's needs, enabling diligent new professionals to move towards more competitive salaries as they gain experience and navigate the regulations governing the profession established by Medicare and state law.
More salary data for Augusta, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Augusta in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Augusta?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Augusta?
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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 Augusta. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Augusta 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