Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Ogden, UT: $29,299 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Ogden, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $29,299 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ogden's local price level (BEA RPP 100.3 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,197 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,542) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of physical therapy assistance in Ogden, UT can expect a starting salary around $29,299, which marks the entry-level threshold for the profession. This amount is significantly lower than the city’s median physical therapist assistant salary of $62,542, creating a notable gap that new PTAs might need to consider as they begin their careers. Over the first few years, these professionals can anticipate gradual salary increases, with potential earnings rising to approximately $39,531 at the 25th percentile and moving towards the median within three to five years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, Ogden retains its appeal as a favorable locale for new graduates, especially those willing to engage with local employers who recognize the value of new talent.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ogden
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 Ogden
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Ogden, UT typically start between $29,299 and $39,531 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,745 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,542 — 10.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Utah of $18,000 represents just 61.44% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($29,299/year) in Ogden. 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 Ogden
- 1Research the Ogden market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $29,299 to $39,531, 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 Ogden, 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 Ogden for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ogden'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 Ogden is $48,745 ( 166.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $29,299, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,044.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,260
2025 BLS Actual
$28,520
2026 Current Est.
$29,299
2019–2027 Growth
+56.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Ogden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,830 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,850 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29,299 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30,098 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Ogden, UT grew 48.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,260 in 2019 to $28,520 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $30,098. New graduates entering the Ogden job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ogden 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 Ogden
In Ogden, various healthcare facilities actively recruit freshly licensed physical therapist assistants, with outpatient rehabilitation chains being the primary employers for entry-level positions. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to hire despite the ongoing challenges posed by recent reimbursement cuts, and while home health agencies typically prefer candidates with one to two years of experience, new graduates should not discount these opportunities as they seek to gain vital clinical exposure. Credentials that can elevate a new grad physical therapist assistant's pay in Utah include earning an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license. First-year PTAs should also be mindful of the realities of working under physical therapist supervision as mandated by state law and Medicare regulations, especially considering the effect of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement for PTA services. With diligent effort and professional growth strategies, including the pursuit of advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA, starting physical therapist assistant salary levels in Ogden are poised to improve as graduates build their skills and experience.
More salary data for Ogden, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Ogden in 2026?
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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 Ogden. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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