Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Solon, OH: $45,144 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Solon, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,144 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Solon's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,773 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,081) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates looking to break into the physical therapist assistant field in Solon, Ohio, can realistically expect starting salaries around $45,144, which is considerably less than the city’s overall median salary of $60,081 for this occupation. This gap creates a potential hurdle for those aiming to stabilize their finances immediately after graduation. However, there is a defined growth trajectory within the first few years of employment, with many new grads seeing salaries rise incrementally to the $54,119 mark at the 25th percentile, ultimately reaching the median as they gain experience and prove their value in the workforce. With a projected growth rate of 2.73% annually, Solon currently presents a viable market for entry-level physical therapist assistants, making it an attractive location for new graduates fighting to launch their careers.
About the Solon Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Solon
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 Solon
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Solon, OH typically start between $45,144 and $54,119 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,692 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,081 — 14.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Ohio of $20,000 represents just 44.30% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,144/year) in Solon. 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 Solon
- 1Research the Solon market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,144 to $54,119, 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 Solon, 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 Solon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Solon'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 Solon is $29,692 ( 65.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,144, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,836.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,784
2025 BLS Actual
$43,944
2026 Current Est.
$45,144
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Solon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,784 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,143 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,309 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,886 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,754 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,323 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,944 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,144 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,376 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Solon, OH grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,784 in 2019 to $43,944 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,376. New graduates entering the Solon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Solon 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 Solon
Employers in Solon hiring newly qualified physical therapist assistants primarily include outpatient clinics, which are known for their brisk recruitment of recent graduates. Although skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are still hiring, they face challenges due to recent Medicare reimbursement cuts, making them less appealing for fresh graduates. Most home health agencies typically seek candidates with 1-2 years of clinical experience, which might set an initial barrier for new PTAs. To enhance starting pay, it’s essential for newcomers to hold an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, pass the NPTAE national examination, secure their state PTA license, and maintain BLS certification. First-year physical therapist assistants should approach their career path with realistic expectations; while the initial income may feel modest, with perseverance and additional certifications, many can anticipate a positive growth in their salary within the first three years in this evolving job market in Ohio.
More salary data for Solon, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Solon in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Solon?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Solon?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Solon?
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 Solon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Solon 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