Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Roy, UT: $43,354 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Roy, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,354 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Roy's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,194 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,918) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates in physical therapy assisting, the entry-level pay in Roy, Utah reflects varying expectations compared to overall market conditions. In 2026, the starting physical therapist assistant salary Roy offers begins at approximately $43,354, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $61,918. However, early-career PTAs in this region have the potential to see a growth trajectory that leads them upwards through $53,818 at the 25th percentile, with a realistic path toward reaching the median after a few years of experience. With a growth rate of 2.73%, Roy presents a moderately favorable job market for those just starting their careers, helping new graduates transition into full-time roles within local healthcare facilities.
About the Roy Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Roy
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 Roy
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Roy, UT typically start between $43,354 and $53,818 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,465 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,918 — 11.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Utah of $18,000 represents just 41.52% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,354/year) in Roy. 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 Roy
- 1Research the Roy market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,354 to $53,818, 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 Roy, 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 Roy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Roy'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 Roy is $32,465 ( 74.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,354, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,819.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,563
2025 BLS Actual
$42,202
2026 Current Est.
$43,354
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Roy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,563 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,908 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,948 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,304 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,217 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,758 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,202 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,354 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,538 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Roy, UT grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,563 in 2019 to $42,202 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,538. New graduates entering the Roy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roy 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 Roy
In Roy, multiple employers are known for hiring new grad physical therapist assistants. Outpatient rehabilitation chains are among the primary recruiters, while skilled nursing facilities continue to attract fresh talent, despite the recent 15% reduction in Medicare reimbursement, which has affected compensation structures across the board. Those who have completed an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passed the NPTAE national exam, and possess a state PTA license are better positioned in the job market. Attaining additional credentials such as BLS certification and considering advanced proficiency through APTA can positively influence starting pay. Typically, PTAs operate under the supervision of physical therapists, and while many may start at wages below the state average, realistic salary growth can be achieved within the first three years, especially for those willing to expand their skills in high-demand settings.
More salary data for Roy, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Roy in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Roy?
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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 Roy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Roy 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