Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Norfolk, NE: $46,047 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Norfolk, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,047 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Norfolk's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,325 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,861) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapist assistants entering the workforce in Norfolk, NE, can anticipate a starting salary around $46,047 in 2026, which represents the P10 of the salary scale for this occupation. While this figure is below the city median annual salary of $59,861, it offers new graduates a path toward higher earnings as they gain experience. Over the first few years, entry-level PTAs can expect their salaries to grow incrementally, reaching approximately $54,887 at the P25 within two to three years, setting them on a trajectory to potentially attain the median salary as they progress. Given a projected growth rate of 2.73%, Norfolk presents a moderately favorable market for new graduates, allowing them the opportunity to develop their careers and income in the physical therapy field.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Norfolk
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 Norfolk
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Norfolk, NE typically start between $46,047 and $54,887 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,074 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,861 — 14.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Nebraska of $16,000 represents just 34.75% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,047/year) in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk
- 1Research the Norfolk market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,047 to $54,887, 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 NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Norfolk, 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 Norfolk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Norfolk'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 Norfolk is $28,074 ( 60.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,047, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,121.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,400
2025 BLS Actual
$44,823
2026 Current Est.
$46,047
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,766 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,995 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,683 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,529 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,557 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,823 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,047 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,304 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Norfolk, NE grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,400 in 2019 to $44,823 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,304. New graduates entering the Norfolk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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 Norfolk
In Norfolk, various employers actively hire fresh graduates for physical therapist assistant positions, predominantly outpatient therapy practices. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to seek PTAs, although recent cuts in Medicare reimbursements have somewhat affected their pay structures. Home health agencies generally prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience, which can make entry into this sector more challenging for new graduates. To enhance their starting pay, aspiring PTAs should ensure they acquire their Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and successfully pass the NPTAE national exam, along with obtaining a state PTA license and BLS certification. There's also the potential for additional proficiency credentials through APTA, further elevating their qualifications. New grads can expect to see a steady growth in their salaries during the first three years, building their expertise while working under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, especially in light of the challenges posed by the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA services implemented in 2022.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Norfolk in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Norfolk?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Norfolk?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Norfolk?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Nebraska?
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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 Norfolk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Norfolk 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