Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Port Huron, MI: $44,210 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Port Huron, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,210 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Port Huron's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,436 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,008) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the workforce, the projected starting physical therapist assistant salary in Port Huron, MI, is set at approximately $44,210 in 2026. This figure falls short of the city median salary of $62,008, creating a noticeable gap that new professionals should prepare for as they embark on their careers. Over the first few years, entry-level salaries can realistically rise as individuals gain experience—moving toward the 25th percentile salary of $54,290 with committed effort and skill development. Currently, Port Huron presents a solid opportunity for new PTA graduates, especially as the job market for licensed professionals continues to grow, accompanied by an annual industry growth rate of 2.73%.
About the Port Huron Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Port Huron
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 Port Huron
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Port Huron, MI typically start between $44,210 and $54,290 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,190 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,008 — 11.73% 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 ($44,210/year) in Port Huron. 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 Port Huron
- 1Research the Port Huron market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,210 to $54,290, 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 Port Huron, 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 Port Huron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Port Huron'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 Port Huron is $32,190 ( 72.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,210, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,400.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,147
2025 BLS Actual
$43,035
2026 Current Est.
$44,210
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Port Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,147 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,499 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,599 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,952 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,949 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,035 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,210 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,417 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Port Huron, MI grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,147 in 2019 to $43,035 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,417. New graduates entering the Port Huron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Port Huron 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 Port Huron
In Port Huron, various employers are eager to recruit new physical therapist assistants, particularly outpatient facilities that typically hire the majority of entry-level candidates. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to seek talent despite reimbursement challenges, home health agencies generally prefer applicants who already possess 1-2 years of clinical exposure. To boost their initial salary offers, recent graduates must acquire their Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, pass the NPTAE, obtain a state PTA license, and may benefit from pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA. Given the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut effective in 2022, which has affected PTA salaries significantly within heavily Medicare-reliant settings, new PTAs must adopt strategic career approaches. Realistic salary increases in the first few years can be expected as they develop their clinical skills under the supervision of licensed PTs, moving closer to the median salary range as the demand for their services continues to grow.
More salary data for Port Huron, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Port Huron in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Port Huron?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Port Huron?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Port Huron?
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 Port Huron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Port Huron 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