Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in South Jordan, UT: $43,674 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the South Jordan, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,674 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Jordan's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,520 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,409) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in South Jordan, UT, can expect a starting salary ranging around $43,674, significantly below the city median salary of $63,409. This gap indicates that while initial earnings may feel limited, there is potential for substantial growth in the first few years of employment. Entry-level professionals generally see growth as they gain experience and transition to the 25th percentile salary of $54,543. With the projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, South Jordan presents an encouraging market for newly minted PTAs, especially as the demand for physical therapy services continues to rise in various healthcare settings.
About the South Jordan Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Jordan
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 South Jordan
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in South Jordan, UT typically start between $43,674 and $54,543 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,645 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,409 — 9.73% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Utah of $18,000 represents just 41.21% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,674/year) in South Jordan. 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 South Jordan
- 1Research the South Jordan market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,674 to $54,543, 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 South Jordan, 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 South Jordan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Jordan'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 South Jordan is $36,645 ( 83.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,674, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,319.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,781
2025 BLS Actual
$42,513
2026 Current Est.
$43,674
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Jordan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,781 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,129 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,191 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,587 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,492 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,056 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,513 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,674 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,866 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in South Jordan, UT grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,781 in 2019 to $42,513 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,866. New graduates entering the South Jordan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Jordan 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 South Jordan
Opportunities for entry-level physical therapist assistant roles are prevalent among outpatient rehabilitation chains, which often seek recent graduates to fill vacancies. While skilled nursing facilities still employ new PTAs, recent changes in reimbursement rates may impact starting pay and job prospects in these areas. To enhance credentials and starting pay, aspiring PTAs should complete a CAPTE-accredited associate degree, pass the NPTAE, and secure a state PTA license. Obtaining advanced proficiency credentials from the APTA can also be beneficial. Given that PTAs work under the supervision of physical therapists per state law and Medicare regulations, new graduates should focus on building practical experience in diverse settings while remaining mindful of industry trends, such as the recent reduction in Medicare Part B reimbursements, which could affect employment prospects. Within the first three years, salary growth should be realistic, reflecting a gradual but steady increase as PTAs assume more responsibilities and advance their careers.
More salary data for South Jordan, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in South Jordan in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in South Jordan?
Is physical therapy school worth it in South Jordan?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in South Jordan?
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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 South Jordan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Jordan 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