Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in South Portland, ME: $51,756 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the South Portland, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,756 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Portland's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,964 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,678) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Recent graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in South Portland, ME, can expect starting salaries to reflect the projected economic landscape of 2026. With a starting salary around $51,756 at the P10 level, new PTA grads will find themselves on the lower end of the pay spectrum in comparison to the median annual salary of $68,678. This gap illustrates the growth potential typical in the initial few years of their careers, where salaries can rise to approximately $60,879 at the P25 level within the first three to five years. South Portland currently presents a reasonably favorable market for new graduates, particularly due to a modest growth trajectory of 2.73% annually, suggesting that expectations for pay raises can also be optimistic over time.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Portland
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 South Portland
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in South Portland, ME typically start between $51,756 and $60,879 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,657 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,678 — 2.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Maine of $22,000 represents just 42.51% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($51,756/year) in South Portland. 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 South Portland
- 1Research the South Portland market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $51,756 to $60,879, 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 South Portland, 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 South Portland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Portland'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 South Portland is $36,657 ( 70.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,756, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,413.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,293
2025 BLS Actual
$50,381
2026 Current Est.
$51,756
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,293 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,705 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,728 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,205 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,381 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,756 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,169 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in South Portland, ME grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,293 in 2019 to $50,381 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,169. New graduates entering the South Portland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Portland 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 South Portland
In South Portland, most entry-level positions for physical therapist assistants can be found in outpatient rehabilitation chains, as they actively recruit new graduates. Alternatives include skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that, despite facing some budget constraints from recent Medicare reimbursement cuts, still hire PTAs. However, it's worth noting that home health agencies often seek professionals with a bit of experience, ranging from one to two years. For new hires aiming for a competitive edge in the job market, obtaining a CAPTE-accredited associate's degree, passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing a state PTA license are essential. Continuing education and advanced proficiency credentials from the APTA can further increase starting physical therapist assistant pay in ME. Given the Medicare environment, where reimbursements have been cut by 15%, PTAs should be prepared for relatively slow initial growth in salaries within the first few years, but a combination of experience and continuing education can lead to more substantial opportunities down the line.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in South Portland in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in South Portland?
Is physical therapy school worth it in South Portland?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in South Portland?
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 South Portland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Portland 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