Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Everett, WA: $45,862 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Everett, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,862 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Everett's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,702 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,744) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field, the projected starting physical therapist assistant salary in Everett, WA, is about $45,862 in 2026. This starting pay may appear modest when compared to the city median annual salary for this profession, which sits at $69,744, indicating a considerable gap for those just entering the workforce. In the first few years of their careers, entry-level PTAs can expect to see a growth trajectory that gradually moves them from the $45,862 starting point towards the $58,520 mark within the first three to five years. This development suggests that Everett offers a viable job market for new PTAs, providing opportunities for advancement and a stable income as they gain experience.
About the Everett Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Everett
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 Everett
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Everett, WA typically start between $45,862 and $58,520 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,849 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,744 — 0.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $24,000 represents just 52.33% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,862/year) in Everett. 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 Everett
- 1Research the Everett market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,862 to $58,520, 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 Everett, 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 Everett for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Everett'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 Everett is $49,849 ( 108.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,862, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,711.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,273
2025 BLS Actual
$44,643
2026 Current Est.
$45,862
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Everett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,273 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,638 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,854 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,993 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,643 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,862 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,114 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Everett, WA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,273 in 2019 to $44,643 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,114. New graduates entering the Everett job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Everett 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 Everett
Local employers in Everett primarily hiring new graduates include outpatient clinics, which typically offer the most positions for entry-level physical therapist assistants. Although skilled nursing facilities continue to recruit despite recent reimbursement cuts from Medicare, many home health agencies may prefer candidates with some prior experience. Obtaining credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing a state PTA license are crucial steps for boosting starting pay in Washington. Additionally, acquiring advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can substantially enhance a PTA's career prospects. In light of the recent 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursement for PTA services, salary growth expectations for new graduates in their first few years may be modest at first but can improve significantly with experience and continued education in this evolving field.
More salary data for Everett, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Everett in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Everett?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Everett?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Everett?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Washington?
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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 Everett. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Everett 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