Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Warren, OH: $42,294 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Warren, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,294 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Warren's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,631 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,613) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field as physical therapist assistants in Warren, Ohio, the starting salary is projected to be around $42,294 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale for entry-level positions, while the median annual salary for all PTAs in the city is estimated at $61,613. This discrepancy highlights the potential income gap that new hires might face as they begin their careers, emphasizing realistic expectations as they gain experience. Over the first few years, salaries may rise from the entry-level figure to the first quartile, which is projected at $56,490, suggesting a pathway for growth as professionals develop their skills and build their reputation in the field. Given these numbers and a favorable growth rate of 2.73%, Warren appears to be a viable market for new PTA graduates looking to establish themselves in this vital healthcare sector.
About the Warren Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Warren
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 Warren
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Warren, OH typically start between $42,294 and $56,490 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,674 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,613 — 12.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Ohio of $20,000 represents just 47.29% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($42,294/year) in Warren. 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 Warren
- 1Research the Warren market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $42,294 to $56,490, 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 Warren, 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 Warren for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Warren'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 Warren is $37,674 ( 89.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,294, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,968.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,841
2025 BLS Actual
$41,170
2026 Current Est.
$42,294
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Warren (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,841 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,177 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,143 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,368 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,307 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,989 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,294 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,449 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Warren, OH grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,841 in 2019 to $41,170 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,449. New graduates entering the Warren job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Warren 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 Warren
Employment opportunities for entry-level physical therapist assistants in Warren primarily stem from outpatient clinics, where new graduates frequently find their first jobs. Though skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) may also hire PTAs, they often prefer candidates with 1-2 years of clinical experience, especially given recent Medicare reimbursement challenges. For new hires, obtaining credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and acquiring a state PTA license is essential; advanced proficiency credentials from APTA can further elevate starting pay. Despite recent Medicare cuts impacting salaries in heavily reliant settings, there remains a strategic pathway for career advancement within the first three years, particularly by excelling under PT supervision as required by state law and regulations. New PTAs in Warren can reasonably expect to see salary increases aligned with their growth in skill and experience, adding upward momentum to their professional journey.
More salary data for Warren, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Warren in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Warren?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Warren?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Warren?
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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 Warren. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Warren 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