Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Bozeman, MT: $48,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Bozeman, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,627 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bozeman's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,548 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,498) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those eyeing a career as a physical therapist assistant in Bozeman, MT, it's essential to establish realistic salary expectations as a new graduate. The anticipated entry-level physical therapist assistant salary in Bozeman for 2026 starts at $48,627. While this figure may initially seem low, it still represents a manageable gap from the city median annual salary of $66,498. Over the first three to five years, there is potential for gradual income increases, with most early-career PTAs progressing toward the $59,371 mark at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median salary as they gain experience. With a projected growth rate of 2.73%, Bozeman appears to offer a favorable job market for recent graduates looking to launch their careers in this field.
About the Bozeman Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bozeman
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 Bozeman
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Bozeman, MT typically start between $48,627 and $59,371 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,649 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,498 — 5.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Montana of $16,000 represents just 32.90% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($48,627/year) in Bozeman. 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 Bozeman
- 1Research the Bozeman market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $48,627 to $59,371, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bozeman, 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 Bozeman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bozeman'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 Bozeman is $41,649 ( 85.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,627, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,276.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,159
2025 BLS Actual
$47,335
2026 Current Est.
$48,627
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,159 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,546 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,956 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,963 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,744 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,770 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,335 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,955 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Bozeman, MT grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,159 in 2019 to $47,335 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,955. New graduates entering the Bozeman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bozeman 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 Bozeman
In Bozeman, a variety of employers hire new graduate physical therapist assistants, with outpatient clinics leading the charge in recruitment. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to seek entry-level candidates despite recent Medicare reimbursement cuts, while home health agencies generally prefer applicants with prior clinical experience. To enhance starting pay and job prospects, new grads should ensure they have completed a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passed the NPTAE national exam, and secured their state PTA license. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can set candidates apart. Given that PTAs practice under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, understanding industry regulations, particularly the implications of the 15% Medicare cut on compensation, will be crucial for career advancement. Realistic salary growth in the first few years typically follows a gradual trajectory as PTAs develop their skills and navigate the evolving healthcare landscape in Bozeman.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Bozeman in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Bozeman?
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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 Bozeman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bozeman 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