Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Concord, NH: $52,848 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Concord, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,848 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,253 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,824) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting out as a physical therapist assistant in Concord, New Hampshire can be promising, especially in 2026, where the entry-level physical therapist assistant salary is projected to be $52,848. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $71,824, illustrating a notable gap that new graduates should consider when negotiating their first positions. Over the initial years, there's room for growth; entry-level professionals can realistically expect a salary increase that sets them on a path towards achieving the P25 level of $64,094 within a few years. Given the projected growth rate of 2.73%, Concord currently presents a viable market for new graduates, offering competitive salaries as they embark on their careers in this essential healthcare field.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Concord
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 Concord
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Concord, NH typically start between $52,848 and $64,094 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,294 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,824 — 2.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New Hampshire of $28,000 represents just 52.98% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($52,848/year) in Concord. 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 Concord
- 1Research the Concord market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $52,848 to $64,094, 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 Concord, 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 Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Concord'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 Concord is $40,294 ( 76.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,848, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,142.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,038
2025 BLS Actual
$51,444
2026 Current Est.
$52,848
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,038 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,458 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,164 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,693 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,368 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,458 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,444 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,848 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,291 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, NH grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,038 in 2019 to $51,444 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,291. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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 Concord
In Concord, employers who frequently hire new grad physical therapist assistants typically include outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and home health agencies. While outpatient chains actively recruit new graduates, those seeking positions in SNFs might find opportunities despite the recent CMS cuts affecting Medicare Part B reimbursements, which have made some settings less lucrative for PTAs. To enhance starting pay in New Hampshire, obtaining an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE, and securing state licensure are essential steps. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can give new PTAs an edge. Given the interplay of state laws and Medicare rules, first-year salaries may fluctuate but should steadily rise, aligning with professional development and experience gained under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
More salary data for Concord, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Concord in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Concord?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Concord?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Concord?
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 Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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