Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Stephenville, TX: $56,766 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Stephenville, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,766 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stephenville's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,131 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,790) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduating as a physical therapist assistant (PTA) in 2026 sets new professionals in Stephenville, Texas, on a promising path. Entry-level roles typically start around $56,766 annually, providing room for growth as practitioners gather experience. While this initial salary may feel modest compared to the city median of $72,790, it offers a solid foundation, allowing new grads to work toward the 25th percentile earning approximately $67,073 and subsequently the median salary. With a growth rate of 2.73% expected over the next five years, the potential for salary increases over the course of the first three to five years in this field looks favorable, suggesting that starting physical therapist assistant salary in Stephenville can lead to more substantial earnings as professionals advance their careers.
About the Stephenville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stephenville
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 Stephenville
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Stephenville, TX typically start between $56,766 and $67,073 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,521 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,790 — 3.62% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Texas of $20,000 represents just 35.23% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($56,766/year) in Stephenville. 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 Stephenville
- 1Research the Stephenville market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $56,766 to $67,073, 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 Stephenville, 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 Stephenville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stephenville'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 Stephenville is $29,521 ( 52.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,766, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,287.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,709
2025 BLS Actual
$55,257
2026 Current Est.
$56,766
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Stephenville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,709 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,141 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,154 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,675 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,257 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,766 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,315 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Stephenville, TX grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,709 in 2019 to $55,257 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,315. New graduates entering the Stephenville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stephenville 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 Stephenville
Employers in Stephenville actively seek new graduates, especially outpatient clinics that typically hire most entry-level PTAs, even amidst challenging reimbursement environments. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit despite recent cuts in Medicare reimbursements, although these positions may require some experience. To enhance starting pay, it’s critical for new PTAs to hold an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, obtain a state PTA license, and maintain current BLS certification. Furthermore, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can distinguish new PTAs in a competitive job market. Given that PTAs operate under the supervision of physical therapists and face declining reimbursement rates for services, realistic salary growth expectations in the first three years will largely depend on the work setting and the ability to navigate the realities of Medicare cuts affecting PTA positions particularly in Medicare-heavy environments.
More salary data for Stephenville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Stephenville in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Stephenville?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Stephenville?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Stephenville?
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 Stephenville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stephenville 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