Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Memphis, TN: $48,560 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Memphis, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,560 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Memphis's local price level (BEA RPP 92.2 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,680 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,241) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates in Memphis seeking to launch their careers as physical therapist assistants can expect a starting annual salary of approximately $48,560 in 2026. While this entry-level figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median salary of $63,241, it is important for new entrants to understand the growth potential in this field. Entry-level practitioners can anticipate salary increases as they gain experience and skills, with realistic annual increments pushing first-year earnings to around $57,703 and potentially reaching the median within a few years. The Memphis market currently provides a favorable backdrop for these professionals, with a steady growth rate of 2.73% projected for the coming years. This indicates a promising environment for newly minted PTAs eager to establish themselves in a field that plays a significant role in patient recovery and rehabilitation.
Career Earnings Timeline in Memphis
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 Memphis
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Memphis, TN typically start between $48,560 and $57,703 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,901 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,241 — 9.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Tennessee of $16,000 represents just 32.95% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($48,560/year) in Memphis. 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 Memphis
- 1Research the Memphis market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $48,560 to $57,703, 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 Memphis, 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 Memphis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Memphis'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 Memphis is $33,901 ( 69.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,560, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,461.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,020
2025 BLS Actual
$47,270
2026 Current Est.
$48,560
2019–2027 Growth
+78.0%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,560 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,886 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Memphis, TN grew 68.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,020 in 2019 to $47,270 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,886. New graduates entering the Memphis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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 Memphis
Employers in Memphis that frequently hire new graduates include outpatient clinics, which tend to be the primary avenue for entry-level positions. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are also recruiting, although they face challenges due to recent cuts in Medicare reimbursements. On the other hand, home health agencies often prefer candidates with a couple of years of experience. To enhance starting salaries, aspiring PTAs should complete a CAPTE-accredited associate's degree, pass the NPTAE national exam, obtain a state PTA license, and consider pursuing additional proficiency credentials from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). As entry-level professionals begin their careers, they should be aware that PTAs work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, and the recent 15% reduction in Medicare reimbursement for PTA services could impact compensation, particularly in settings reliant on Medicare funding. Nevertheless, those focused on continuous learning and seeking opportunities for advancement will likely see a favorable trajectory in their initial years.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Memphis in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Memphis?
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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 Memphis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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