Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Wadsworth, OH: $45,334 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Wadsworth, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,334 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wadsworth's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,982 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,268) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Wadsworth, Ohio can expect a starting salary around $45,334. This entry-level pay reflects a significant gap when compared to the overall city median of $60,268. However, newly minted PTAs should anticipate a positive growth trajectory as they gain experience. It's realistic to see salaries progress from the 10th percentile starting figure to around $54,514 within the first few years, eventually aiming for the city median. Given the competitive and evolving nature of healthcare, Wadsworth appears to offer a favorable environment for newcomers in this profession, allowing for advancement and skill development in various clinical settings.
About the Wadsworth Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wadsworth
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 Wadsworth
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Wadsworth, OH typically start between $45,334 and $54,514 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,157 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,268 — 14.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Ohio of $20,000 represents just 44.12% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,334/year) in Wadsworth. 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 Wadsworth
- 1Research the Wadsworth market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,334 to $54,514, 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 Wadsworth, 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 Wadsworth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wadsworth'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 Wadsworth is $28,157 ( 62.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,334, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,491.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,913
2025 BLS Actual
$44,129
2026 Current Est.
$45,334
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wadsworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,913 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,274 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,453 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,053 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,917 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,492 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,129 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,334 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,571 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Wadsworth, OH grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,913 in 2019 to $44,129 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,571. New graduates entering the Wadsworth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wadsworth 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 Wadsworth
For those considering a career as a physical therapist assistant in Wadsworth, it's important to recognize where potential employers are looking for new talent. Outpatient rehabilitation centers typically hire the majority of new grads, while skilled nursing facilities continue to seek recruits despite recent reimbursement model changes. Aspiring PTAs should focus on obtaining their associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE, and securing state licensure. Supplementing these credentials with advanced proficiency certifications through the APTA can enhance earning potential. Additionally, prospective PTAs should strategize their first few years in the field, understanding that while initial pay may reflect the effects of the 15% Medicare Part B reimbursement cuts implemented in 2022, steady growth is achievable with experience and skill development, fostering upward mobility in their career.
More salary data for Wadsworth, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Wadsworth in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Wadsworth?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Wadsworth?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Wadsworth?
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 Wadsworth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wadsworth 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