Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Syracuse, NY: $49,732 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Syracuse, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,732 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Syracuse's local price level (BEA RPP 95.7 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,944 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,676) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the physical therapist assistant (PTA) field in Syracuse, New York, the starting physical therapist assistant salary in 2026 is projected to be around $49,732. This figure represents a significant step below the city's median annual salary of $62,676, demonstrating the gap that new grads can expect as they begin their careers. As novices build experience, they may see their earnings rise toward the 25th percentile pay of $58,412 within just a few years. Given the growth trajectory averaging 2.73% annually, Syracuse is currently considered a viable market for new graduates looking to launch their PTA careers. While starting salaries are lower than the national median of $70,247, Syracuse's entry-level compensation aligns reasonably well with local living costs, making it a manageable place to begin.
Career Earnings Timeline in Syracuse
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 Syracuse
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Syracuse, NY typically start between $49,732 and $58,412 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,754 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,676 — 10.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New York of $35,000 represents just 70.38% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($49,732/year) in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse
- 1Research the Syracuse market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $49,732 to $58,412, 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 Syracuse, 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 Syracuse for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Syracuse's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Syracuse is $25,754 ( 51.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,732, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,486.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,790
2025 BLS Actual
$48,410
2026 Current Est.
$49,732
2019–2027 Growth
+55.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,732 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,089 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Syracuse, NY grew 47.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,790 in 2019 to $48,410 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,089. New graduates entering the Syracuse job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
In terms of employment opportunities for new graduate physical therapist assistants in Syracuse, outpatient clinics are the primary recruiters of entry-level professionals, providing ample chances for those freshly licensed through a CAPTE-accredited program. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are also hiring, they require candidates to have some experience due to the complex environment shaped by recent reimbursement cuts, where PTA pay has been pressured. New PTAs should focus on acquiring essential qualifications, including passing the NPTAE national exam and obtaining state licensure, as these are prerequisites for employment. Further, obtaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can elevate starting pay and enhance career prospects. It is crucial for recent graduates to be realistic about salary growth during the formative years, as new PTAs often work under a PT's supervision, particularly in settings heavily dependent on Medicare, where wage fluctuations are notable following the 15% reimbursement cut implemented in 2022. An understanding of these nuances can help new graduates in Syracuse develop effective career strategies from their earliest days in the field.
More salary data for Syracuse, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Syracuse. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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