Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Maryville, TN: $44,507 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Maryville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,507 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Maryville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,483 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,958) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Maryville, Tennessee, those starting their career as physical therapist assistants can expect a beginning salary around $44,507 in 2026. This entry-level figure is noticeably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $60,958, highlighting a significant gap that new graduates may need to bridge in their initial jobs. While it can be challenging to secure higher pay immediately, there is a path to growth; early-career professionals can progress from the P10 threshold to more favorable positions with salaries at $54,143 and eventually reach the median salary as they gain experience over the first few years. Given the projected growth rate of 2.73%, the job market in Maryville presents a reasonable opportunity for recent graduates to establish themselves in the field and work towards improved compensation.
About the Maryville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Maryville
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 Maryville
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Maryville, TN typically start between $44,507 and $54,143 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,981 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,958 — 13.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Tennessee of $16,000 represents just 35.95% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,507/year) in Maryville. 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 Maryville
- 1Research the Maryville market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,507 to $54,143, 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 Maryville, 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 Maryville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Maryville'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 Maryville is $31,981 ( 71.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,507, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,488.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,349
2025 BLS Actual
$43,324
2026 Current Est.
$44,507
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Maryville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,349 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,703 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,824 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,323 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,207 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,253 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,324 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,507 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,722 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Maryville, TN grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,349 in 2019 to $43,324 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,722. New graduates entering the Maryville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maryville 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 Maryville
In Maryville, new graduates aiming for a position as a physical therapist assistant should consider a variety of employers that typically hire entry-level staff. Outpatient therapy clinics are favored for bringing in recent PTAs, while skilled nursing facilities continue to recruit despite changing reimbursement landscapes affecting compensation. Some home health agencies may prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience, emphasizing the importance of gaining practical skills early. Educational qualifications such as a CAPTE-accredited associate's degree, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are critical for securing initial employment and enhancing starting physical therapist assistant salary in Maryville. Moreover, prospective PTAs might find that obtaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can set them apart in a competitive job market. With the recent 15% cut to Medicare reimbursements for PTA-provided services, understanding these dynamics will be essential for planning salary growth over the first few years. A realistic expectation would involve gradually increasing from the entry-level pay as experience builds within the first three years in this field.
More salary data for Maryville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Maryville in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Maryville?
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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 Maryville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maryville 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