Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Bedford, NH: $49,920 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Bedford, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,920 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bedford's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,524 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,992) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in 2026 can anticipate an entry-level salary starting around $49,920 in Bedford, NH. While this initial figure might seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $70,992, it represents a clear trajectory for salary growth as new PTAs gain experience and develop their skills. Over the first three to five years, new professionals can expect to see their earnings move up to $66,077 at the 25th percentile, with the potential to reach the median figure as they establish themselves in the field. Given these figures and the local job market's healthy demand for physical therapy services, Bedford emerges as an encouraging place for new graduates to begin their careers.
About the Bedford Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bedford
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 Bedford
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Bedford, NH typically start between $49,920 and $66,077 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,478 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,992 — 1.06% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New Hampshire of $28,000 represents just 56.09% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($49,920/year) in Bedford. 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 Bedford
- 1Research the Bedford market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $49,920 to $66,077, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bedford, 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 Bedford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bedford'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 Bedford is $39,478 ( 79.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,920, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,398.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,041
2025 BLS Actual
$48,593
2026 Current Est.
$49,920
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,041 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,437 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,938 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,105 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,853 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,629 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,593 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,920 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,282 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Bedford, NH grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,041 in 2019 to $48,593 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,282. New graduates entering the Bedford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bedford 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 Bedford
In Bedford, numerous healthcare facilities hire recently graduated physical therapist assistants, with outpatient clinics leading the charge due to their preference for training new staff in a dynamic environment. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit, though recent reimbursement cuts may affect starting pay in those settings. To enhance their earning potential, new PTAs should complete an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, obtain their license in NH, and consider gaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA. Given that PTAs must operate under the supervision of a physical therapist as mandated by state law and Medicare rules, understanding the CMS reimbursement changes is vital. With realistic expectations, those starting their careers in Bedford can anticipate a gradual salary increase during the first few years, as they gain the necessary clinical experience and professional credentials.
More salary data for Bedford, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Bedford in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Bedford?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Bedford?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Bedford?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in New Hampshire?
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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 Bedford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bedford 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