Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $43,909 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Oak Ridge, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,909 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oak Ridge's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,831 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,985) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the workforce as physical therapist assistants in Oak Ridge, TN, can expect a starting salary around $43,909, with realistic growth prospects as they gain experience. This initial pay is notably below the local median annual salary of $62,985, highlighting a significant gap that early-career PTAs will need to navigate. As professionals advance through the early years of their careers, they can anticipate earning about $54,604 at the 25th percentile, and potentially reaching the median as they near the completion of their first 3-5 years in the field. With a projected growth rate of 2.73%, Oak Ridge appears to be a relatively stable market for new physical therapist assistant roles, presenting opportunities for recent graduates in a supportive community of healthcare professionals.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oak Ridge
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 Oak Ridge
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Oak Ridge, TN typically start between $43,909 and $54,604 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,100 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,985 — 10.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Tennessee of $16,000 represents just 36.44% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,909/year) in Oak Ridge. 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 Oak Ridge
- 1Research the Oak Ridge market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,909 to $54,604, 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 Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oak Ridge'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 Oak Ridge is $39,100 ( 89.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,909, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,009.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,942
2025 BLS Actual
$42,742
2026 Current Est.
$43,909
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,942 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,291 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,795 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,694 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,698 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,742 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,909 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,108 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Oak Ridge, TN grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,942 in 2019 to $42,742 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,108. New graduates entering the Oak Ridge job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
Employers in the Oak Ridge area typically hiring new physical therapist assistant graduates include outpatient chains, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and selected home health agencies, though the latter often prefer candidates with some clinic experience. To enhance starting pay in Tennessee, new PTAs should ensure they possess crucial credentials like an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and maintain a valid state PTA license. With the 15% Medicare Part B reimbursement cut affecting PTA service provisions, particularly in SNF settings, new graduates may need to consider alternative employment strategies or seek out advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA to stand out. While the starting physical therapist assistant salary in Oak Ridge may be lower than the national median, the first few years in careers can yield steady growth as they navigate their professional landscape while under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Oak Ridge in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Oak Ridge?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Oak Ridge?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Oak Ridge?
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 Oak Ridge. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oak Ridge 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