Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Edmond, OK: $40,555 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Edmond, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,555 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edmond's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,619 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,280) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the role of a physical therapist assistant in Edmond, OK, the entry-level pay presents both challenges and opportunities. In 2026, starting salaries are projected to be around $40,555, a figure that underscores the realities of entering a competitive field. This starting physical therapist assistant salary in Edmond lags behind the city’s median annual salary of $60,280, indicating a notable gap for those just beginning their careers. However, aspiring PTAs can expect to see career growth within the first few years, with a potential increase to $51,128 as they gain experience and skills. Given the employment landscape in Edmond, it's a market that still offers pathways for new grads, supported by modest growth forecasts at an annual rate of 2.73%.
About the Edmond Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edmond
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 Edmond
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Edmond, OK typically start between $40,555 and $51,128 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,949 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,280 — 14.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oklahoma of $14,000 represents just 34.52% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($40,555/year) in Edmond. 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 Edmond
- 1Research the Edmond market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $40,555 to $51,128, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Edmond, 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 Edmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edmond'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 Edmond is $36,949 ( 91.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,555, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,504.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,655
2025 BLS Actual
$39,477
2026 Current Est.
$40,555
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Edmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,655 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,977 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,821 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,831 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,814 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,178 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,477 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,555 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,662 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Edmond, OK grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,655 in 2019 to $39,477 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,662. New graduates entering the Edmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmond 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 Edmond
New physical therapist assistants entering the job market should be aware of the types of employers that are actively hiring in Edmond. Outpatient chains tend to recruit the highest number of recent graduates, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still look for new talent despite the financial challenges posed by recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. To enhance starting pay and career prospects, new grads should ensure they have completed a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passed the NPTAE national exam, and secured their state PTA license. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) can be advantageous. In the initial years on the job, PTAs will work under the supervision of physical therapists, adhering to state laws and Medicare regulations. Graduates should set realistic expectations for salary progression, as the cuts in Medicare Part B reimbursement may impact pay rates, particularly in SNFs. However, with continued education and experience, the financial outlook can improve significantly during the first three years of employment.
More salary data for Edmond, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Edmond in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Edmond?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Edmond?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Edmond?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Oklahoma?
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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 Edmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edmond 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