Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Holladay, UT: $44,725 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Holladay, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,725 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Holladay's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,591 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,383) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the workforce as physical therapist assistants in Holladay, UT in 2026, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected at $44,725, which serves as a benchmark for new graduates. Although this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $62,383, there is potential for financial growth over time. Within the first three to five years, individuals can expect to see salaries progress through the ranges, with the potential to earn around $54,800 at the 25th percentile and even approach the median as experience builds. With Holladay experiencing steady demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in physical therapy, this market appears to be favorable for new graduates looking to launch their careers.
About the Holladay Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Holladay
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 Holladay
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Holladay, UT typically start between $44,725 and $54,800 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,790 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,383 — 11.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Utah of $18,000 represents just 40.25% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,725/year) in Holladay. 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 Holladay
- 1Research the Holladay market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,725 to $54,800, 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 Holladay, 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 Holladay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Holladay'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 Holladay is $34,790 ( 77.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,725, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,515.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,498
2025 BLS Actual
$43,536
2026 Current Est.
$44,725
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Holladay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,498 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,854 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,990 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,515 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,394 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,041 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,536 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,725 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,946 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Holladay, UT grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,498 in 2019 to $43,536 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,946. New graduates entering the Holladay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Holladay 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 Holladay
Employment opportunities for novice physical therapist assistants in Holladay tend to be concentrated in outpatient clinics, where there is a consistent need for staffing that can accommodate recent graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) may also recruit new PTAs despite potential budget constraints from recent reimbursement cuts, although home health agencies often prefer candidates with some experience. Credentials matter greatly in this field; having an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE, obtaining a state PTA license, and possibly pursuing advanced proficiency credentials via APTA can enhance earning potential. New professionals should be aware that PTAs work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, which influences their growth trajectory, especially in environments heavily reliant on Medicare patients. Given the historical 15% CMS reimbursement cut for PTA services, realistic salary increases in the first few years are likely to be modest, making it essential for early-career PTAs to seek continued education and experience to navigate this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Holladay, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Holladay in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Holladay?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Holladay?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Holladay?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Utah?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Utah
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 Holladay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Holladay 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