Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Butte, MT: $45,021 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Butte, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,021 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Butte's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,799 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,674) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field as physical therapist assistants in Butte, Montana, can expect to see a starting physical therapist assistant salary in the lower end around $45,021. This figure is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $65,674, indicating a potential earnings gap that entry-level professionals may encounter. Over the first few years, fresh PTAs can aim for salary growth, with projections suggesting movement towards the 25th percentile around $58,709 within a few years of experience. Given the local demand for healthcare services, particularly in rehabilitation settings, Butte appears to offer a reasonably supportive environment for new grads, although salary expectations should remain grounded in the current economic climate and local cost of living, which is slightly below the national average.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Butte
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 Butte
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Butte, MT typically start between $45,021 and $58,709 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,310 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,674 — 6.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Montana of $16,000 represents just 35.54% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,021/year) in Butte. 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 Butte
- 1Research the Butte market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,021 to $58,709, 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 Butte, 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 Butte for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Butte'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 Butte is $40,310 ( 89.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,021, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,331.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,700
2025 BLS Actual
$43,825
2026 Current Est.
$45,021
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Butte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,700 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,058 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,216 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,777 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,649 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,985 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,825 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,021 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,251 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Butte, MT grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,700 in 2019 to $43,825 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,251. New graduates entering the Butte job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Butte 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 Butte
Exploring employment opportunities, Butte’s market for new grad physical therapist assistant pay includes facilities like outpatient therapy clinics and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which still actively recruit new professionals. However, home health agencies often prefer candidates with a bit more experience—typically one to two years in clinical settings. New graduates should ensure they are equipped with the essential credentials: an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the national NPTAE exam, and obtaining a valid state PTA license. Pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) can further enhance starting pay in Montana. Given recent cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates for PTA services, especially impacting settings reliant on Medicare funding, it’s crucial for newcomers to understand how to navigate potential salary growth. Realistically, within the first one to three years in Butte, a PTA can expect earnings to incrementally rise, underscoring the value of building skills and experience in this evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Butte, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Butte. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Butte 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