Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Lebanon, TN: $44,187 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Lebanon, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,187 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lebanon's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,134 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,990) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Lebanon, TN, can expect a starting salary that ranges from $44,187 at the P10 level to more robust figures as they gain experience. This entry-level pay reflects a significant gap from the median salary of $62,990 for PTAs in the area. Recent graduates can look forward to a growth trajectory as they progress in their careers, potentially reaching around $54,615 at the P25 level and closing in on the median salary as they acquire skills and experience within their first three to five years. Given Lebanon's job market and relatively lower cost of living index at 91.8, the area appears to be a practical entry point for those embarking on their PTA careers.
About the Lebanon Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lebanon
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 Lebanon
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Lebanon, TN typically start between $44,187 and $54,615 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,958 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,990 — 10.33% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Tennessee of $16,000 represents just 36.21% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,187/year) in Lebanon. 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 Lebanon
- 1Research the Lebanon market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,187 to $54,615, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lebanon'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 Lebanon is $34,958 ( 79.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,187, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,145.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,132
2025 BLS Actual
$43,013
2026 Current Est.
$44,187
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,132 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,483 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,582 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,933 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,013 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,187 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,394 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Lebanon, TN grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,132 in 2019 to $43,013 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,394. New graduates entering the Lebanon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lebanon 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 Lebanon
Employers in Lebanon that hire entry-level physical therapist assistants predominantly include outpatient rehabilitation chains, which actively seek new talent for their facilities. Although skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to hire despite recent reimbursement cuts, many home health agencies may favor applicants with a bit more experience. To enhance salary prospects, new PTAs should secure credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and obtain state licensure. Gaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further increase earning potential. In the current environment where Medicare reimbursements have decreased, especially impacting PTA roles in SNFs, it’s vital for new grads to expect modest salary growth in their initial years. Building skills under the supervision of physical therapists while remaining adaptable to industry changes will be essential for career advancement in this field.
More salary data for Lebanon, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Lebanon in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Lebanon?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Lebanon?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Lebanon?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Tennessee?
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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 Lebanon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lebanon 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