Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Oneonta, NY: $45,190 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Oneonta, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,190 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oneonta's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,991 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,488) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, recent graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Oneonta, NY, can expect a starting physical therapist assistant salary of around $45,190. This entry-level pay falls significantly below the city's median annual salary of $58,488, indicative of the earnings gap new professionals face as they begin their careers. However, the potential for growth is encouraging; over the first several years, salaries could realistically increase, with the bottom 25% of PTAs earning approximately $53,773 shortly after gaining experience. Therefore, Oneonta presents a decent market for new graduates, especially given the steady demand for physical therapy services in various healthcare settings.
About the Oneonta Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oneonta
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 Oneonta
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Oneonta, NY typically start between $45,190 and $53,773 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,451 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,488 — 16.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New York of $35,000 represents just 77.45% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,190/year) in Oneonta. 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 Oneonta
- 1Research the Oneonta market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,190 to $53,773, 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 Oneonta, 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 Oneonta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Oneonta'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 Oneonta is $27,451 ( 60.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,190, experienced hygienists can earn up to $72,641.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,815
2025 BLS Actual
$43,989
2026 Current Est.
$45,190
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Oneonta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,815 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,175 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,344 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,926 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,793 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,989 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,190 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,424 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Oneonta, NY grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,815 in 2019 to $43,989 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,424. New graduates entering the Oneonta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oneonta 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 Oneonta
Several employers in the Oneonta area are known to actively recruit new physical therapist assistants, with outpatient rehabilitation chains being the most prevalent. Skilled nursing facilities, despite recent reimbursement challenges, continue to hire PTAs, while home health agencies often prefer candidates with a year or two of experience. To maximize starting salaries in New York, new PTAs should ensure they have completed a CAPTE-accredited program, passed the NPTAE national exam, and obtained state licensure. Additional credentials from APTA can also enhance earning potential. Given the 15% Medicare cut for PTA services that took effect in 2022, entry-level professionals must navigate tighter budgets in healthcare institutions, particularly those heavily reliant on Medicare funding. Realistically, new PTAs can expect their pay to gradually increase over the first few years, reflecting both their developing expertise and the overall growth trajectory anticipated in the field.
More salary data for Oneonta, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Oneonta in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Oneonta?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Oneonta?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Oneonta?
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 Oneonta. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oneonta 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