Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Dearborn, MI: $45,741 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Dearborn, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,741 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dearborn's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,078 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,589) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting your career as a physical therapist assistant in Dearborn comes with varying salary expectations. For 2026, the starting physical therapist assistant salary in Dearborn is projected at $45,741, which might appear lower compared to the city’s median annual salary of $63,589. This gap provides a realistic outlook for new graduates, suggesting a clear growth pathway from entry-level positions to higher earnings over the first few years. As you gain experience, moving towards the 25th percentile salary of $54,902 becomes increasingly plausible, setting a foundation for advancement. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, Dearborn currently presents a favorable job market for new PTAs to establish themselves in the profession.
About the Dearborn Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dearborn
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 Dearborn
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Dearborn, MI typically start between $45,741 and $54,902 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,060 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,589 — 9.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Michigan of $20,000 represents just 43.72% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,741/year) in Dearborn. 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 Dearborn
- 1Research the Dearborn market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,741 to $54,902, 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 MI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dearborn, 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 Dearborn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dearborn'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 Dearborn is $40,060 ( 87.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,741, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,801.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,191
2025 BLS Actual
$44,525
2026 Current Est.
$45,741
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Dearborn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,191 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,554 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,762 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,413 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,266 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,525 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,741 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,989 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Dearborn, MI grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,191 in 2019 to $44,525 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,989. New graduates entering the Dearborn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dearborn 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 Dearborn
In Dearborn, various healthcare settings are looking for fresh talent to fill their PTA roles; outpatient chains tend to be the most welcoming to new graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to hire despite the recent reimbursement cuts, though they tend to seek candidates with a couple of years of experience. Newly minted PTAs should target outpatient facilities for their first positions, as they typically provide the necessary mentoring for recent graduates. Obtaining credentials, including graduating from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTAE, is essential to elevate your marketability; acquiring a state PTA license and considering advanced proficiency credentials through APTA can also enhance your starting pay. In the first few years, new PTAs can expect moderate salary increases, but keep in mind the 15% cut to Medicare reimbursement for PTA services could dampen progress in heavily Medicare-reliant environments, necessitating adaptive strategies as you advance in your career in MI.
More salary data for Dearborn, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Dearborn in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Dearborn?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Dearborn?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Dearborn?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Michigan?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Dearborn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dearborn 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