Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Bremerton, WA: $47,400 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Bremerton, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,400 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bremerton's local price level (BEA RPP 105.6 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,883 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,634) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Those looking to enter the physical therapy field as assistants in Bremerton, Washington, can expect a starting salary of approximately $47,400 in 2026. This entry-level compensation might initially feel modest when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $68,634, resulting in a significant gap. However, entry-level physical therapist assistants could see their salaries grow to around $60,477 as they gain experience in the first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, the path from entry-level positions to more competitive pay within just three to five years looks promising. For new graduates, Bremerton's market offers opportunities in a variety of settings that can support their advancement in the profession, making it a viable option for those entering the workforce.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bremerton
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 Bremerton
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Bremerton, WA typically start between $47,400 and $60,477 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,523 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,634 — 2.3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $24,000 represents just 50.63% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,400/year) in Bremerton. 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 Bremerton
- 1Research the Bremerton market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,400 to $60,477, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bremerton, 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 Bremerton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bremerton'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 Bremerton is $38,523 ( 81.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,400, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,923.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,210
2025 BLS Actual
$46,140
2026 Current Est.
$47,400
2019–2027 Growth
+61.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bremerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,210 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,699 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,730 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,400 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,694 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Bremerton, WA grew 52.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,210 in 2019 to $46,140 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,694. New graduates entering the Bremerton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bremerton 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 Bremerton
Employers in Bremerton hiring new physical therapist assistants predominantly include outpatient chains, which tend to be the main source of job openings for recent graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also actively recruit, even amidst the complexities created by recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. Additionally, home health agencies often prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience, which can make entering the field more challenging for newcomers. For new grad physical therapist assistant pay in WA to increase, having the proper credentials is essential; obtaining an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and acquiring a state PTA license are crucial steps. Pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA may further enhance starting salaries and job prospects. As the CMS reimbursement cuts have impacted pay, especially in settings heavily reliant on Medicare, first-year salaries in Bremerton may still lead to promising growth once PTAs establish themselves in their roles, reflecting the potential for advancement in their careers.
More salary data for Bremerton, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Bremerton in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Bremerton?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Bremerton?
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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 Bremerton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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