Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Scarborough, ME: $48,713 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Scarborough, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,713 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scarborough's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,909 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,754) 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 Scarborough, Maine, the entry-level pay is an essential factor to consider. New graduates can expect a starting salary of around $48,713, which sits below the city's median of $66,754. This indicates a significant gap, highlighting the modest compensation that early-career professionals face as they enter the workforce. However, there is a potential growth trajectory in the first few years; as experience is gained, entry-level salaries can rise toward the P25 threshold of $61,703, moving closer to the city median. Scarborough presents a viable market for new graduates, with a reasonable starting salary that can enhance as one gains experience and develops their skills.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scarborough
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 Scarborough
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Scarborough, ME typically start between $48,713 and $61,703 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,710 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,754 — 4.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Maine of $22,000 represents just 45.16% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($48,713/year) in Scarborough. 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 Scarborough
- 1Research the Scarborough market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $48,713 to $61,703, 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 Scarborough, 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 Scarborough for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scarborough'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 Scarborough is $30,710 ( 63.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,713, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,423.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,217
2025 BLS Actual
$47,418
2026 Current Est.
$48,713
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,217 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,605 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,021 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,039 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,817 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,257 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,418 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,713 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,042 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Scarborough, ME grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,217 in 2019 to $47,418 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,042. New graduates entering the Scarborough job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scarborough 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 Scarborough
Employers in Scarborough seeking new physical therapist assistant graduates primarily include outpatient chains, which often prioritize hiring fresh talent. Skilled nursing facilities are also in the mix but tend to prefer applicants with at least one to two years of experience due to recent cuts in Medicare reimbursements that have impacted pay structures. New graduates who hold an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and secure a state PTA license are well-positioned for first-time job opportunities. Additionally, pursuing continuing education and advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can potentially help boost starting pay in Maine. Given the 15% decrease in reimbursement for PTA-provided services implemented by CMS in 2022, it is important for new PTAs to strategically navigate their early careers, particularly in settings heavily reliant on Medicare, which may initially compress their pay but could improve with experience over time.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Scarborough in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Scarborough?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Scarborough?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Scarborough?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Maine?
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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 Scarborough. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Scarborough 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