Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Warwick, RI: $52,202 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Warwick, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,202 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Warwick's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,942 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,623) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A new graduate seeking a position as a physical therapist assistant in Warwick, Rhode Island, can expect a starting physical therapist assistant salary around $52,202 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the median salary of $75,623 for all physical therapist assistants in the area, indicating a substantial gap for entry-level positions. However, there’s a clear trajectory for salary growth as new PTAs gain experience. Over the first few years, salaries can increase from the entry-level pay through around $65,368 before reaching the median and potentially beyond. Given Warwick's relatively stable job market and an expected annual growth rate of 2.73%, it is a favorable locale for new grads aiming to build their careers in physical therapy.
About the Warwick Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Warwick
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 Warwick
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Warwick, RI typically start between $52,202 and $65,368 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,073 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,623 — 7.65% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Rhode Island of $28,000 represents just 53.64% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($52,202/year) in Warwick. 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 Warwick
- 1Research the Warwick market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $52,202 to $65,368, 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 Warwick, 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 Warwick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Warwick'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 Warwick is $47,073 ( 90.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,202, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,275.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,597
2025 BLS Actual
$50,815
2026 Current Est.
$52,202
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Warwick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,597 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,012 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,673 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,122 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,813 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,940 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,815 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,202 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,627 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Warwick, RI grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,597 in 2019 to $50,815 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,627. New graduates entering the Warwick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Warwick 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 Warwick
In Warwick, employers primarily looking to hire entry-level physical therapist assistants include outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), both of which seek to fill positions amid ongoing industry shifts. While SNF opportunities remain, these facilities are stricter in their hiring due to recent reimbursement cuts by Medicare, which have affected PTA roles specifically. New graduates should focus on obtaining the required credentials—such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE exam, and acquiring a state PTA license—to position themselves competitively. Additionally, pursuing continuing education can yield higher salaries. Early career PTAs must navigate working under the supervision of licensed physical therapists while adapting to the post-2022 reimbursement landscape; understanding these dynamics will help in crafting a strategic approach for salary growth in the crucial first 1-3 years in the field.
More salary data for Warwick, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Warwick in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Warwick?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Warwick?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Warwick?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Rhode Island?
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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 Warwick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Warwick 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