Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Port Arthur, TX: $57,138 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Port Arthur, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,138 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Port Arthur's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,519 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,787) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Port Arthur, TX, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field can expect an entry-level physical therapist assistant salary of around $57,138 in 2026. This starting figure is notably lower than the city median of $81,787, illustrating a significant gap that early-career professionals may need to navigate. However, there is room for growth. Over the first few years, earnings can increase as new PTAs gain experience, moving towards the 25th percentile income of $70,957 and potentially reaching closer to the median salary. With a growth rate of 2.73% projected annually, Port Arthur currently offers a reasonable job market for new graduates in this profession, positioning itself favorably for those considering a career in physical therapy.
About the Port Arthur Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Port Arthur
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 Port Arthur
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Port Arthur, TX typically start between $57,138 and $70,957 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,678 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,787 — 16.43% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Texas of $20,000 represents just 35.00% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($57,138/year) in Port Arthur. 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 Port Arthur
- 1Research the Port Arthur market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $57,138 to $70,957, 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 Port Arthur, 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 Port Arthur for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Port Arthur's moderate 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 Port Arthur is $47,678 ( 83.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,138, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,816.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,963
2025 BLS Actual
$55,620
2026 Current Est.
$57,138
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Port Arthur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,963 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,417 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,424 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,483 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,194 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,138 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,698 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Port Arthur, TX grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,963 in 2019 to $55,620 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,698. New graduates entering the Port Arthur job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur
When it comes to employment opportunities in Port Arthur, outpatient facilities are the primary employers looking for new grad physical therapist assistant pay TX candidates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still hire despite changes in reimbursement structures, while home health agencies often prefer candidates with a bit of experience. To maximize starting salary potential, obtaining credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing a state PTA license is essential. Given the recent 15% cut to Medicare Part B reimbursement for PTA services, especially in SNFs where PTAs work under the supervision of licensed PTs, new graduates should strategically align their career paths to develop proficiencies that enhance their positions. In the early years, a PTA salary growth from entry-level benchmarks is realistic, promising upward mobility as they gain experience and credentials that can lead to higher compensation over time.
More salary data for Port Arthur, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Port Arthur in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Port Arthur?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Port Arthur?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Port Arthur?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Texas?
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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 Port Arthur. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Port Arthur 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