Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Midland, MI: $44,212 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Midland, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,212 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Midland's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,438 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,000) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Midland, Michigan, graduates stepping into the physical therapist assistant (PTA) role can anticipate a starting pay of approximately $44,212 annually, significantly below the city median salary of $60,000. Although entry-level positions tend to offer lower compensation initially, new PTAs can expect a growth trajectory that typically advances from this starting point to around $53,777 within the first few years. For those entering the field in 2026, this means there is a pathway to better earnings, with dedicated effort, skill development, and experience in the right settings. Given this context and a projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, Midland currently presents a reasonable job market with opportunities for new physical therapist assistants, particularly in outpatient settings.
About the Midland Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Midland
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 Midland
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Midland, MI typically start between $44,212 and $53,777 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,847 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,000 — 14.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Michigan of $20,000 represents just 45.24% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,212/year) in Midland. 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 Midland
- 1Research the Midland market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,212 to $53,777, 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 Midland, 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 Midland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Midland'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 Midland is $31,847 ( 72.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,212, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,059.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,600
2025 BLS Actual
$43,037
2026 Current Est.
$44,212
2019–2027 Growth
+92.5%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Midland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,600 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,062 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,954 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,037 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,212 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,419 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Midland, MI grew 82.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,600 in 2019 to $43,037 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,419. New graduates entering the Midland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Midland 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 Midland
For new graduates seeking employment in Midland, outpatient rehabilitation clinics are among the primary employers, commonly hiring recent PTA graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also continue to recruit, although the recent 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursement for PTA services might affect job prospects in these heavily Medicare-reliant environments. Aspiring PTAs should hold an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, have passed the NPTAE national exam, and secured a state PTA license. Credentials such as Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and advanced proficiency through APTA can boost starting physical therapist assistant salaries in MI. With a keen focus on gaining experience, early-career professionals can navigate their first 1-3 years effectively, realizing gradual salary improvements as they build upon their foundational skills in a field governed by supervision from licensed physical therapists.
More salary data for Midland, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Midland in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Midland?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Midland?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Midland?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Michigan?
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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 Midland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Midland 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