Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Bountiful, UT: $43,367 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Bountiful, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,367 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bountiful's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,207 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,457) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates looking for opportunities as physical therapist assistants in Bountiful, Utah, can anticipate a starting physical therapist assistant salary of approximately $43,367. This starting figure represents a gap from the median annual salary of $60,457 for PTAs in Bountiful, highlighting the potential for growth as they gain experience. Entry-level professionals can expect a steady rise in compensation over the first few years, transitioning from entry-level pay toward the estimated $53,126 at the 25th percentile, and aiming for the median salary as they establish their careers. Bountiful presents a promising market for new PTAs, with a projected growth rate of 2.73% per year, reflecting ongoing demand for skilled physical therapy practitioners in the region.
About the Bountiful Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bountiful
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 Bountiful
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Bountiful, UT typically start between $43,367 and $53,126 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,721 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,457 — 13.94% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Utah of $18,000 represents just 41.51% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,367/year) in Bountiful. 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 Bountiful
- 1Research the Bountiful market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,367 to $53,126, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bountiful, 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 Bountiful for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bountiful'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 Bountiful is $33,721 ( 77.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,367, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,088.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,573
2025 BLS Actual
$42,215
2026 Current Est.
$43,367
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bountiful (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,573 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,917 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,959 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,316 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,229 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,765 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,215 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,367 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,551 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Bountiful, UT grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,573 in 2019 to $42,215 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,551. New graduates entering the Bountiful job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bountiful 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 Bountiful
Hiring trends in Bountiful suggest various employers actively seek out new graduates. Outpatient therapy centers tend to recruit the most entry-level PTAs, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) prioritize hiring despite experiencing reimbursement challenges due to the recent 15% Medicare cut in 2022. Home health agencies often prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience in clinic settings. To enhance starting pay, obtaining an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing a state PTA license is essential. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can bolster job prospects. In the first few years, entry-level PTAs should focus on gaining experience under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, as this collaboration is mandated by state law and Medicare regulations. Given the current market conditions, realistic salary growth in the first three years may allow graduates to reach a more competitive pay scale as they adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape in Utah.
More salary data for Bountiful, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Bountiful in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Bountiful?
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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 Bountiful. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bountiful 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