Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Franklin, NJ: $57,463 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Franklin, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,463 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,881 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,041) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, New Jersey, new graduates entering the field of physical therapy as assistants can expect a starting pay around $57,463, considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $82,041. This discrepancy highlights the financial trajectory new PTAs must navigate as they begin their careers. Over the first several years, an entry-level PTA can realistically anticipate reaching the first quartile salary of $71,286 within 1-3 years, followed by a potential ascent toward the median salary as they gain experience and skill. Given the competitive nature of the job market and the current projections placing Franklin's entry-level salaries significantly above the national average by 16.79% — with the national median salary estimated at $70,247 — now is considered a favorable time for fresh graduates embarking on their PTA careers.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Franklin, NJ typically start between $57,463 and $71,286 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,652 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,041 — 16.79% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New Jersey of $28,000 represents just 48.73% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($57,463/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $57,463 to $71,286, 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 NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Franklin's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Franklin is $47,652 ( 82.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,463, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,115.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,184
2025 BLS Actual
$55,936
2026 Current Est.
$57,463
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,184 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,641 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,671 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,329 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,936 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,463 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,032 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, NJ grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,184 in 2019 to $55,936 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,032. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
For those new to the profession, understanding which employers in Franklin are actively recruiting is key to securing that first position. Outpatient clinics consistently hire new graduates, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also continue to seek fresh talent, particularly despite recent reimbursement cuts affecting Medicare services. Typically, home health agencies prefer hiring PTAs with a bit of experience under their belts, emphasizing the importance of networking in clinical settings. Having completed an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTAE), and obtaining your state PTA license are essential steps to enhance your starting physical therapist assistant salary in Franklin. Additional credentials, like advanced proficiency through the APTA, can further elevate earning potential. Realistically, a PTA can expect modest salary growth in their first three years, especially in a market influenced by the 15% Medicare cuts that limit reimbursement for certain PTA services in Medicare-reliant institutions. Understanding these industry dynamics is crucial for new physical therapist assistants as they pave their career paths.
More salary data for Franklin, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Franklin in 2026?
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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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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