Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Moore, OK: $42,083 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Moore, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,083 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moore's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,337 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,445) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates stepping into the physical therapist assistant role in Moore, Oklahoma, should anticipate a starting salary around $42,083 in 2026. As they gain experience, this entry-level figure will likely progress toward the median annual salary of $62,445 for the area, illustrating a significant growth trajectory over their first few years. Entry-level positions typically yield an initial pay gap relative to the median, which reflects the advancement opportunities available as PTAs gain expertise and build a professional reputation. The local job market for new graduates appears promising, providing several pathways to enhance earnings while building essential skills in a supportive community.
About the Moore Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moore
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 Moore
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Moore, OK typically start between $42,083 and $53,211 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,614 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,445 — 11.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oklahoma of $14,000 represents just 33.27% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($42,083/year) in Moore. 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 Moore
- 1Research the Moore market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $42,083 to $53,211, 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 Moore, 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 Moore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moore'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 Moore is $38,614 ( 91.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,083, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,697.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,697
2025 BLS Actual
$40,965
2026 Current Est.
$42,083
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Moore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,697 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,032 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,983 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,182 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,126 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,579 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,965 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,083 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,232 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Moore, OK grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,697 in 2019 to $40,965 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,232. New graduates entering the Moore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moore 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 Moore
In Moore, various employers actively hire new graduates in the physical therapist assistant field, particularly outpatient rehabilitation facilities that consistently look for fresh talent. While skilled nursing facilities may be slightly more hesitant due to recent reimbursement challenges, they still recruit new PTAs, offering valuable on-the-job experience. To succeed and potentially command higher starting pay, new graduates should obtain an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE exam, and secure a state PTA license. Additionally, pursuing continuing education and obtaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can distinguish candidates. As new graduates navigate their first few years in the profession, they should focus on gaining experience under the supervision of PTs to enhance their skills, understanding that realistic pay growth is expected as they transition into more proficient roles despite the recent cuts in Medicare reimbursements, which have slightly narrowed salary expectations in certain settings.
More salary data for Moore, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Moore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moore 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