Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Brunswick, ME: $49,318 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Brunswick, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,318 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brunswick's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,516 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,744) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Brunswick, Maine, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected to be around $49,318 in 2026. With the city’s median annual salary of $64,744, entry-level positions may initially feel below the mid-range benchmarks. However, there’s a clear growth trajectory as early-career professionals move from this starting point towards the P25 income of approximately $58,857 within the first few years. While the gap between entry-level wages and higher salaries may seem significant, the 2.73% annual growth rate suggests promising salary increases for those who excel in their roles. Thus, Brunswick appears to be a supportive market for new grads eager to begin their careers in physical therapy.
About the Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brunswick
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 Brunswick
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Brunswick, ME typically start between $49,318 and $58,857 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,105 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,744 — 7.83% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Maine of $22,000 represents just 44.61% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($49,318/year) in Brunswick. 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 Brunswick
- 1Research the Brunswick market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $49,318 to $58,857, 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 Brunswick, 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 Brunswick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brunswick'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 Brunswick is $32,105 ( 65.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,318, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,423.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,630
2025 BLS Actual
$48,007
2026 Current Est.
$49,318
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,630 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,022 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,481 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,573 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,337 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,783 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,007 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,318 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,664 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Brunswick, ME grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,630 in 2019 to $48,007 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,664. New graduates entering the Brunswick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brunswick 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 Brunswick
Employers in Brunswick primarily seeking to hire new PTAs include outpatient rehabilitation chains, where many new graduates find their first jobs. Skilled nursing facilities also recruit new PTA graduates despite recent Medicare cuts affecting reimbursement rates. Conversely, home health agencies typically prefer candidates with one to two years of clinic experience. To enhance starting pay in Maine, it’s crucial for new professionals to obtain an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, secure a state PTA license, and consider further credentials from APTA. Recent changes in reimbursement policies, including a 15% cut for PTA services under Medicare, have influenced salary structures, particularly in settings reliant on Medicare funding. Thus, new physical therapist assistants can realistically expect gradual salary growth over their first few years based on performance and market conditions, positioning themselves for advancement while remaining aware of the industry's evolving landscape.
More salary data for Brunswick, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Brunswick in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Brunswick?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Brunswick?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Brunswick?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Maine?
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 Brunswick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brunswick 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