Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Plattsburgh, NY: $43,967 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Plattsburgh, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,967 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plattsburgh's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,935 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,885) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plattsburgh, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant (PTA) field can expect an entry-level salary starting around $43,967 in 2026. When compared to the city's median annual salary of $57,885, this figure highlights a significant gap that new professionals must consider as they embark on their careers. First-job expectations should encompass realistic salary progression, moving from the entry-level mark toward the 25th percentile of $52,485 within the first few years. Given the projected 2.73% growth rate in this sector, Plattsburgh is currently a favorable market for new PTA graduates, particularly for those willing to explore a variety of healthcare settings as part of their initial career journey.
About the Plattsburgh Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plattsburgh
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 Plattsburgh
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Plattsburgh, NY typically start between $43,967 and $52,485 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,811 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,885 — 17.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New York of $35,000 represents just 79.61% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,967/year) in Plattsburgh. 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 Plattsburgh
- 1Research the Plattsburgh market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,967 to $52,485, 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 Plattsburgh, 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 Plattsburgh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Plattsburgh'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 Plattsburgh is $26,811 ( 60.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,967, experienced hygienists can earn up to $70,778.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,982
2025 BLS Actual
$42,799
2026 Current Est.
$43,967
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Plattsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,982 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,331 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,415 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,846 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,744 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,611 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,799 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,967 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,168 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Plattsburgh, NY grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,982 in 2019 to $42,799 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,168. New graduates entering the Plattsburgh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plattsburgh 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 Plattsburgh
Employers actively hiring entry-level PTAs in Plattsburgh mainly include outpatient chains, which often prioritize new graduates for their dynamic work environments. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to seek new hires despite recent reimbursement cuts, although they may prefer candidates with some prior experience. New graduates should obtain an Associate’s degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, pass the national NPTAE exam, and acquire their state PTA license to enhance their employability. Furthermore, pursuing additional credentials via the APTA can lead to higher starting pay. Given industry conditions, particularly the 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursements for PTA services that took effect in 2022, initial salary growth might be modest, with many new PTAs projecting steady increases over 1-3 years as they gain experience and demonstrate their value in various healthcare settings.
More salary data for Plattsburgh, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Plattsburgh in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Plattsburgh?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Plattsburgh?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Plattsburgh?
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 Plattsburgh. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plattsburgh 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