Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Yukon, OK: $43,682 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Yukon, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,682 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Yukon's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,136 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,678) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Yukon, Oklahoma, new graduates entering the field of physical therapy assistance can anticipate a starting salary around $43,682 in 2026. This figure represents the lower tenth percentile, indicating that entry-level PTAs may initially earn less than the local median salary of $61,678. However, there is considerable potential for growth; within the first three to five years on the job, many professionals can expect their pay to progress towards the 25th percentile at $53,976, and even closer to the median as they gain experience and establish their skills. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.73% in this sector, Yukon appears to be a promising market for aspiring physical therapist assistants, especially considering the relatively lower cost of living index of 88.9 compared to the national average.
About the Yukon Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Yukon
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 Yukon
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Yukon, OK typically start between $43,682 and $53,976 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,427 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,678 — 12.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oklahoma of $14,000 represents just 32.05% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,682/year) in Yukon. 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 Yukon
- 1Research the Yukon market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,682 to $53,976, 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 Yukon, 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 Yukon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Yukon'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 Yukon is $32,427 ( 74.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,682, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,109.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,787
2025 BLS Actual
$42,521
2026 Current Est.
$43,682
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Yukon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,787 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,134 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,198 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,594 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,499 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,521 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,682 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,874 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Yukon, OK grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,787 in 2019 to $42,521 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,874. New graduates entering the Yukon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yukon 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 Yukon
Employment opportunities for new graduate physical therapist assistants in Yukon are largely centered within outpatient clinics, which tend to hire most entry-level professionals. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and home health agencies also recruit new graduates, although the latter often prefer applicants with some clinical experience. To enhance starting pay, candidates should focus on acquiring a CAPTE-accredited PTA degree, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license. While some facilities enforce stricter reimbursement margins due to the 15% Medicare cut for PTA services introduced in 2022, taking advantage of advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can help offset these challenges. In the first few years, realistic salary growth expectations for PTAs in Yukon may allow newcomers to reach approximately $53,976 before attaining the local median, especially if they work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists and build a solid professional network.
More salary data for Yukon, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Yukon in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Yukon?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Yukon?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Yukon?
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 Yukon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Yukon 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