Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Rome, NY: $45,616 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Rome, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,616 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rome's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,358 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,978) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Rome, NY, can expect a starting pay around $45,616, with the potential annual salary growth as they gain experience. This entry-level figure represents a substantial gap from the city's median annual salary of $60,978, indicating that recent PTAs may begin their careers with a lower-than-average pay packet. However, as they progress in their roles—moving from the lower 10th percentile to the 25th percentile at $54,969—their salaries can rise significantly within the first few years in practice. Overall, with a growth rate of 2.73%, Rome appears to offer a positive market for new PTA graduates, with ample opportunities for professional development and salary increase over time.
About the Rome Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rome
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 Rome
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Rome, NY typically start between $45,616 and $54,969 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,185 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,978 — 13.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New York of $35,000 represents just 76.73% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,616/year) in Rome. 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 Rome
- 1Research the Rome market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,616 to $54,969, 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 Rome, 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 Rome for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Rome'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 Rome is $32,185 ( 70.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,616, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,801.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,106
2025 BLS Actual
$44,404
2026 Current Est.
$45,616
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,106 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,469 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,668 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,303 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,159 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,932 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,404 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,616 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,862 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Rome, NY grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,106 in 2019 to $44,404 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,862. New graduates entering the Rome job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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 Rome
Employers in the Rome area specifically look for entry-level physical therapist assistants, with outpatient therapy chains typically recruiting the most new grads. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to hire new PTAs despite recent reimbursement cuts affecting Medicare, which may challenge pay structures in these settings. Prospective PTAs should possess an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and obtain a state PTA license to boost their employability. There are also opportunities to earn advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA, which could enhance starting physical therapist assistant salary in Rome. Given that PTAs work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, understanding the implications of policies like the 15% Medicare cut is crucial, as this affects salary dynamics in Medicare-reliant facilities. Realistically, new PTAs can expect gradual salary growth in their initial years based on experience and the settings they choose to work in.
More salary data for Rome, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Rome in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Rome?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Rome?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Rome?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in New York?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 Rome. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rome 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