Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Conway, SC: $49,119 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Conway, SC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,119 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Conway's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,682 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,807) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those newly entering the field, the starting physical therapist assistant salary in Conway, South Carolina, is projected to be around $49,119 in 2026. This figure represents the bottom end of the salary range for new grads, highlighting the gap between entry-level pay and the median salary of $64,807 for physical therapist assistants in the city. Over a few years, new PTAs can expect growth from entry-level positions, with the potential to earn $58,685 within the first three to five years as they gain experience. Given the competitive salary environment and projected growth rate of 2.73% annually, Conway currently presents a reasonable market for recent graduates looking to start their careers as physical therapist assistants.
About the Conway Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Conway
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 Conway
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Conway, SC typically start between $49,119 and $58,685 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,850 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,807 — 7.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in South Carolina of $16,000 represents just 32.57% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($49,119/year) in Conway. 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 Conway
- 1Research the Conway market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $49,119 to $58,685, 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 SC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Conway, 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 Conway for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Conway'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 Conway is $29,850 ( 60.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,119, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,969.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,495
2025 BLS Actual
$47,814
2026 Current Est.
$49,119
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,495 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,885 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,398 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,166 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,905 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,814 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,119 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,460 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Conway, SC grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,495 in 2019 to $47,814 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,460. New graduates entering the Conway job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Conway 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 Conway
While the starting salary is one aspect to consider, new physical therapist assistants in Conway should focus on where to find employment opportunities and how to maximize earning potential. Outpatient rehabilitation facilities are typically the largest employers for new graduates, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit despite recent reimbursement cuts from Medicare affecting PTA compensations. An associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passage of the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are essential credentials for entering the profession. Additionally, pursuing continuing education or advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further enhance a PTA's starting pay in South Carolina. Within the first few years, entry-level PTAs need to adjust their salary expectations as they work under the supervision of physical therapists, especially considering the industry's current challenges, such as the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. To ensure sustainable career growth, pursuing a pathway toward a DPT degree may also open doors to higher salaries and additional responsibilities.
More salary data for Conway, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Conway in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Conway?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Conway?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Conway?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in South Carolina?
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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 Conway. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Conway 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