Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Lebanon, NH: $53,894 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Lebanon, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,894 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lebanon's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,227 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,488) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Lebanon, NH can expect a starting salary around $53,894 in 2026. This amount is noticeable when compared to the median annual salary of $72,488 for all physical therapist assistants in the area, indicating a gap that early-career professionals will need to bridge as they gain experience. With an estimated growth trajectory in the first few years of their career, salaries can progress to $63,243 at the 25th percentile and potentially reach the overall median after about three to five years of consistent work. Lebanon offers a promising market for new grads, as the growing demand for PTAs aligns with a moderate annual growth rate of 2.73% in this profession.
About the Lebanon Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lebanon
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 Lebanon
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Lebanon, NH typically start between $53,894 and $63,243 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,452 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,488 — 3.19% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New Hampshire of $28,000 represents just 51.95% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($53,894/year) in Lebanon. 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 Lebanon
- 1Research the Lebanon market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $53,894 to $63,243, 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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lebanon'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 Lebanon is $33,452 ( 62.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,894, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,346.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,751
2025 BLS Actual
$52,462
2026 Current Est.
$53,894
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,751 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,179 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,959 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,617 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,265 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,482 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,462 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,894 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,366 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Lebanon, NH grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,751 in 2019 to $52,462 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,366. New graduates entering the Lebanon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lebanon 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 Lebanon
In Lebanon, employers such as outpatient rehabilitation clinics tend to be the primary sources of employment for newly graduated physical therapist assistants. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to hire despite tightened reimbursement scenarios, agencies offering home health services typically seek candidates with a couple of years of experience. For new PTAs, holding an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and acquiring state licensure are prerequisites for practice that can help elevate starting pay. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA may further enhance career prospects. Realistically, one can expect significant salary growth during the initial years of practice, especially given the impact of 2022’s 15% cut to Medicare Part B reimbursement for services provided by PTAs—this illustrates the importance of leveraging both educational accomplishments and experience to achieve better earnings as they progress in their careers in Lebanon, NH.
More salary data for Lebanon, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Lebanon in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Lebanon?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Lebanon?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Lebanon?
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 Lebanon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lebanon 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