Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Williamsport, PA: $53,605 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Williamsport, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,605 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williamsport's local price level (BEA RPP 92.3 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,045 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,131) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, those entering the field as physical therapist assistants in Williamsport, Pennsylvania can expect an entry-level salary around $53,605. This starting salary is noticeably below the city median of $62,131, revealing a gap that new graduates should be prepared to navigate. Over the first few years, however, there is potential for salary growth as entry-level professionals advance in their careers. With annual increases projected at a rate of 2.73%, new PTAs can realistically look to move from the entry-level pay to salaries closer to the 25th percentile threshold of $59,717, and eventually towards the median as they gain experience. Williamsport presents a reasonable market for new graduates, given that the cost of living is below the national average, making it an attractive starting point for those beginning their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williamsport
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 Williamsport
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Williamsport, PA typically start between $53,605 and $59,717 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,895 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,131 — 11.55% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Pennsylvania of $28,000 represents just 52.23% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($53,605/year) in Williamsport. 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 Williamsport
- 1Research the Williamsport market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $53,605 to $59,717, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Williamsport, 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 Williamsport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williamsport'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 Williamsport is $23,895 ( 44.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,605, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,500.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,370
2025 BLS Actual
$52,180
2026 Current Est.
$53,605
2019–2027 Growth
+30.0%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Williamsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,605 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,068 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Williamsport, PA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,370 in 2019 to $52,180 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,068. New graduates entering the Williamsport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsport 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 Williamsport
Employers in Williamsport that typically hire new physical therapist assistant graduates include outpatient therapy clinics, which often have a high demand for fresh talent. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) still recruit entry-level PTAs, despite recent reimbursement challenges that altered the financial landscape due to a 15% Medicare cut. Home health agencies, however, generally prefer candidates with clinical experience, often favoring applicants with at least 1-2 years in a traditional clinic setting. To enhance earning potential, new graduates should prioritize obtaining their state PTA license alongside passing the national NPTAE exam. Continuing education can also play a critical role in advancing their careers, especially with optional advanced proficiency credentials offered by the APTA. In the initial years, it’s crucial for new PTAs to focus on skill development under physical therapist supervision, as this will not only help navigate reimbursement complexities but will also position them for a favorable salary trajectory as they approach the median pay levels within their field.
More salary data for Williamsport, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Williamsport in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Williamsport?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Williamsport?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Williamsport?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Pennsylvania?
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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 Williamsport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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