Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Findlay, OH: $45,537 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Findlay, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,537 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Findlay's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,206 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,166) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Findlay, Ohio, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field can expect a starting salary around $45,537, which falls significantly below the area's median annual salary of $62,166. This gap marks a typical beginning for entry-level roles, as many new PTAs will work to develop their skills and experiences to reach the median or higher within the next few years. The projected salary growth trajectory suggests that as entry-level professionals move into positions with more responsibility and experience, they can progress to the 25th percentile salary of $55,324 or even further up, potentially entering the top 10% of earners at annual salaries around $78,178. Given the modest growth rate of 2.73% in this sector, Findlay currently represents a solid market for new graduates eager to launch their careers.
About the Findlay Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Findlay
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 Findlay
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Findlay, OH typically start between $45,537 and $55,324 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,641 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,166 — 11.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Ohio of $20,000 represents just 43.92% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,537/year) in Findlay. 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 Findlay
- 1Research the Findlay market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,537 to $55,324, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Findlay, 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 Findlay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Findlay's below-average 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 Findlay is $32,641 ( 71.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,537, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,178.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,052
2025 BLS Actual
$44,327
2026 Current Est.
$45,537
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Findlay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,052 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,414 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,608 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,233 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,091 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,673 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,327 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,537 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,780 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Findlay, OH grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,052 in 2019 to $44,327 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,780. New graduates entering the Findlay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Findlay 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 Findlay
Within Findlay, outpatient clinics are the primary employers for newly minted physical therapist assistants, often providing the most opportunities for entry-level applicants. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to hire, they frequently seek candidates with a couple of years of experience due to recent Medicare cuts that have affected compensation. To enhance starting pay in Ohio, it’s beneficial for new PTAs to have completed a CAPTE-accredited program, passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTAE), and acquired state licensure. Engaging in continuing education—potentially through the APTA for advanced proficiency credentials—can further elevate a PTA's earning potential. Realistically, entry-level salaries can increase steadily over the first three years with diligent professional development and networking, allowing new graduates to adapt to the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape while operating under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
More salary data for Findlay, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Findlay in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Findlay?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Findlay?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Findlay?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Ohio?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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 Findlay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Findlay 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