PT Assistant Salary

Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Beaumont, TX: $56,512 (2026)

Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Beaumont, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,512 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Beaumont's local price level (BEA RPP 90.010% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,759 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,955) within a few years of clinical practice.

$56,512
Starting Salary
$27.17/hr
Starting Hourly
$56,512
Entry Level
$79,955
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

Physical Therapist Assistant Entry Level Salary in Beaumont, TX — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Beaumont, TX physical therapist assistant entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Beaumont, Texas, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant (PTA) field can expect a starting salary that reflects their entry-level status, with figures projected at around $56,512 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the overall city median of $79,955, indicating a significant gap that entry-level professionals will have to navigate as they commence their careers. Over the first three to five years, physical therapist assistants can anticipate a growth trajectory from that initial salary to an average of $67,997, representing a gradual ascent in earnings that underscores the increasing value of experience and skill. Given Beaumont's current market conditions and a projected growth rate of 2.73%, there is a viable opportunity for recent graduates to secure employment and develop their professional competencies.

Career Earnings Timeline in Beaumont

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$56,512/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$67,997/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$79,955/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$87,834/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Beaumont

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for physical therapist assistants in Beaumont. The median salary is $79,955, compared to the national median of $70,247.$50.9K$64.5K$78.1K$91.7K$105.3K$56.5K10th Pctl$68.0K25th Pctl$80.0KMedian$87.8K75th Pctl$100.3K90th PctlUS Median$70.2K

Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Beaumont, TX typically start between $56,512 and $67,997 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,794 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,95513.82% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of physical therapist assistant pay in the Beaumont metro area.

Return on Investment

$20,000
Avg TX Program Cost
$56,512
Starting Salary
35.39%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average physical therapy program cost in Texas of $20,000 represents just 35.39% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($56,512/year) in Beaumont. 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 Beaumont

  • 1Research the Beaumont market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $56,512 to $67,997, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Beaumont, 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 Beaumont for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Beaumont'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 Beaumont is $43,794 ( 77.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,512, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,306.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$30,490

2025 BLS Actual

$55,010

2026 Current Est.

$56,512

2019–2027 Growth

+90.4%

Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Beaumont (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for physical therapist assistants in Beaumont. Baseline $30,490 in 2025, projected to $58,055 by 2027.$24.4K$34.2K$44.0K$53.8K$63.7K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$30.5K$48.8K$47.0K$49.4K$30.0K$41.4K$55.0K$56.5K$58.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$30,490Actual
2020$48,790Actual
2021$47,040Actual
2022$49,350Actual
2023$30,010Actual
2024$41,400Actual
2025$55,010Actual
2026(current)$56,512Estimated
2027$58,055Projected

Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Beaumont, TX grew 80.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,490 in 2019 to $55,010 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,055. New graduates entering the Beaumont job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beaumont metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Beaumont

When considering employers in Beaumont that actively hire new physical therapist assistant graduates, outpatient rehabilitation chains tend to be the most prolific recruiters, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to seek fresh talent despite recent reimbursement cuts. These settings often prefer candidates who hold an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and have passed the NPTAE national exam. Entry-level PTAs may find their pay boosted by continuing education and optional advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA. New professionals should be mindful that, due to a 15% cut to Medicare Part B reimbursement for PTA services implemented in 2022, salary growth may be constrained in settings reliant on Medicare. Realistic expectations for salary increases in the first few years range from modest hikes as they gain experience, enhancing their employability and standing within the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Beaumont in 2026?

Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Beaumont start at approximately $56,512/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.73% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $27.17/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Beaumont?

Most physical therapist assistants in Beaumont progress from the entry-level salary of $56,512 to the area median of $79,955 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $100,306 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is physical therapy school worth it in Beaumont?

With a starting salary of $56,512/year in Beaumont and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new physical therapist assistants recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Beaumont?

New physical therapy graduates in Beaumont typically start near the 10th percentile at $56,512/year, or approximately $27.17/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Texas?

To become a licensed physical therapist assistant in Texas, you typically need an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Texas, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some physical therapist assistants pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Texas

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

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 Beaumont. 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

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