Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Texarkana, TX: $29,915 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Texarkana, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $29,915 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Texarkana's local price level (BEA RPP 84.0 — 16% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,608 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,568) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
A starting physical therapist assistant salary in Texarkana is projected to be around $29,915 in 2026, which presents a notable gap compared to the median annual salary for all physical therapist assistants in the area at $75,568. For recent graduates entering the workforce, this entry-level pay reflects a trajectory that can significantly increase within the first few years. As they gain experience, new PTAs may find themselves reaching approximately $58,895 within three to five years. Given this potential for growth and the current demand for healthcare services, Texarkana is becoming a favorable market for new graduates seeking to establish their careers in physical therapy.
Career Earnings Timeline in Texarkana
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 Texarkana
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Texarkana, TX typically start between $29,915 and $58,895 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,429 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,568 — 7.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Texas of $20,000 represents just 66.86% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($29,915/year) in Texarkana. 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 Texarkana
- 1Research the Texarkana market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $29,915 to $58,895, 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 Texarkana, 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 Texarkana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Texarkana'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 Texarkana is $59,429 ( 198.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $29,915, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,344.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,399
2025 BLS Actual
$29,120
2026 Current Est.
$29,915
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,399 | Actual |
| 2020 | $20,637 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29,915 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30,732 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Texarkana, TX grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,399 in 2019 to $29,120 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $30,732. New graduates entering the Texarkana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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 Texarkana
In Texarkana, various healthcare employers, particularly outpatient chains, actively recruit new physical therapist assistant graduates as they look to fill positions in an expanding market. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) remain open to hiring despite recent reimbursement cuts from Medicare, although they often require 1-2 years of experience for home health agencies. To enhance starting pay and job prospects, aspiring PTAs should obtain their Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and pass the NPTAE national exam, followed by securing a state PTA license. While the 15% CMS Medicare Part B reimbursement cut has impacted salaries in Medicare-dependent environments, those who pursue continuing education and additional credentials through the APTA can differentiate themselves. Realistically, new graduates can expect steady salary growth during their first few years, especially if they focus on building their skills and gaining diverse experiences.
More salary data for Texarkana, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Texarkana in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Texarkana?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Texarkana?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Texarkana?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Texas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Texarkana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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