Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Jamestown, NY: $41,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Jamestown, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,736 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jamestown's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,010 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,929) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Jamestown can anticipate a starting salary around $41,736 in 2026. This figure is significantly below the city’s median annual salary for PTAs of $60,929, reflecting the common gap new entrants face as they build their skills and experience. Over the first three to five years, it’s realistic for salaries to progress from the entry-level mark toward the 25th percentile, which sits at $55,845. With opportunities in Jamestown expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.73%, newly minted physical therapist assistants can find a supportive job market, though there is room for salary improvement as they gain experience and refine their professional practice.
About the Jamestown Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jamestown
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 Jamestown
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Jamestown, NY typically start between $41,736 and $55,845 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,524 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,929 — 13.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New York of $35,000 represents just 83.86% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($41,736/year) in Jamestown. 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 Jamestown
- 1Research the Jamestown market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $41,736 to $55,845, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jamestown, 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 Jamestown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Jamestown's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) 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 Jamestown is $33,524 ( 80.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,736, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,260.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,460
2025 BLS Actual
$40,627
2026 Current Est.
$41,736
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Jamestown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,792 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,719 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,875 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,828 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,812 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,627 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,876 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Jamestown, NY grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,460 in 2019 to $40,627 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,876. New graduates entering the Jamestown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jamestown 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 Jamestown
In Jamestown, the most likely employers for new graduates include outpatient rehabilitation centers, which frequently hire entry-level PTAs. While skilled nursing facilities still recruit newly licensed PTAs, it is essential to recognize that those jobs may be affected by the 15% reimbursement cuts from Medicare that were implemented in 2022, potentially constricting pay in those settings. To improve entry-level physical therapist assistant pay in NY, pursuing credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, obtaining a state PTA license, and completing CPR/BLS certification can make candidates more competitive. Furthermore, participating in continuing education and exploring advanced credentials available through the APTA may enhance prospects. Fresh grads should set realistic expectations for gradual salary increases during their first few years while gaining valuable experience under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, particularly within the current regulations governing PTA practice.
More salary data for Jamestown, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Jamestown in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Jamestown?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Jamestown?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Jamestown?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in New York?
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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 Jamestown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jamestown 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