Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Lima, OH: $50,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Lima, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,184 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lima's local price level (BEA RPP 89.7 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,966 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,069) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates seeking positions as physical therapist assistants in Lima, OH can expect a starting physical therapist assistant salary significantly influenced by the local job market. In 2026, those starting in entry-level roles may earn around $50,184 annually, which is notably lower than the city's median salary of $62,069. This gap highlights the growth trajectory that new grads can anticipate over their initial years. As they gain experience, entry-level PTAs can expect their salaries to increase, reaching about $52,803 as they approach the quarter percentile. Lima's market presents opportunities for new entrants, especially for those willing to pursue settings such as outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities, which consistently hire PTAs despite fluctuations in reimbursement rates.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lima
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 Lima
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Lima, OH typically start between $50,184 and $52,803 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $14,598 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,069 — 11.64% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Ohio of $20,000 represents just 39.85% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($50,184/year) in Lima. 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 Lima
- 1Research the Lima market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $50,184 to $52,803, 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 Lima, 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 Lima for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lima'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 Lima is $14,598 ( 29.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,184, experienced hygienists can earn up to $64,782.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,170
2025 BLS Actual
$48,850
2026 Current Est.
$50,184
2019–2027 Growth
+28.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lima (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,580 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,554 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Lima, OH grew 21.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,170 in 2019 to $48,850 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,554. New graduates entering the Lima job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lima 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 Lima
For those just starting their careers, having key credentials can substantially impact advancement opportunities and salary growth in Ohio. Employers in Lima frequently hire new graduates from CAPTE-accredited PTA programs, and success on the NPTAE national exam leads to state licensure that is essential for practice. However, new graduates should be aware that while outpatient facilities are more open to hiring recent graduates, home health agencies often prefer applicants with 1-2 years of clinical experience. Earning advanced proficiency credentials through APTA can also enhance a PTA's appeal to employers in a competitive market. Realistically, salary growth during the first few years is influenced by the impacts of recent Medicare cuts on reimbursement for PTA services; as PTA roles are closely guided by PT supervision under CMS regulations, ongoing education and adaptive strategies will play an essential role in navigating career development in Lima.
More salary data for Lima, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Lima in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Lima?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Lima?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Lima?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Ohio?
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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 Lima. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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