Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in South Kingstown, RI: $48,611 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the South Kingstown, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,611 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Kingstown's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,369 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,015) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Kingstown, new graduates entering the field of physical therapy can expect an entry-level physical therapist assistant salary that reflects both local market dynamics and national trends. The starting pay is projected at $48,611 in 2026, which aligns with approximately 72% of the city's median of $67,015. This starting figure indicates a solid foundation for early-career PTAs, especially as they progress in their careers. Over the next few years, entry-level PTAs can realistically aim for increases that take them to around $59,496 within the first few years of experience. South Kingstown currently presents a viable job market for new grads, with local demand for skilled assistants bolstered by a variety of healthcare settings, making this an opportune time for graduates to enter the workforce.
About the South Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Kingstown
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 South Kingstown
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in South Kingstown, RI typically start between $48,611 and $59,496 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,807 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,015 — 4.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Rhode Island of $28,000 represents just 57.60% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($48,611/year) in South Kingstown. 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 South Kingstown
- 1Research the South Kingstown market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $48,611 to $59,496, 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 RI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Kingstown, 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 South Kingstown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Kingstown's moderate 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 South Kingstown is $37,807 ( 77.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,611, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,418.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,148
2025 BLS Actual
$47,319
2026 Current Est.
$48,611
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,148 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,535 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,944 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,949 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,319 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,611 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,938 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in South Kingstown, RI grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,148 in 2019 to $47,319 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,938. New graduates entering the South Kingstown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Kingstown 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 South Kingstown
New graduates should look toward outpatient therapy facilities in South Kingstown, as these employers often hire PTAs with little to no experience. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also recruit entry-level staff, despite facing challenges from recent Medicare reimbursement cuts that have impacted pay structures. To enhance salary potential, recent graduates should prioritize obtaining an Associate’s degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national examination, and secure a state PTA license. Continuing education and optional advanced proficiency credentials through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) can further elevate starting pay. In terms of career strategy during the first one to three years, it's crucial for new PTAs to work closely under physical therapists, as this not only complies with state regulations and Medicare guidelines but also provides invaluable mentorship and skill development needed for future advancement opportunities in the profession.
More salary data for South Kingstown, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in South Kingstown in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in South Kingstown?
Is physical therapy school worth it in South Kingstown?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in South Kingstown?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Rhode Island?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Rhode Island
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 South Kingstown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Kingstown 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