Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Kenmore, WA: $48,724 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Kenmore, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,724 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenmore's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,367 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,436) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Kenmore, Washington, can expect a starting salary around $48,724 as of 2026. This initial pay represents a significant gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $64,436, indicating that entry-level positions may require persistence and patience as new PTAs build their skills and reputation. Within the first three to five years, a new graduate may see salary growth from the 10th percentile up to the 25th percentile, moving towards the median as they gain experience and proficiency. In terms of market demand, Kenmore appears to be a supportive environment for new graduates, with job opportunities flourishing amid increasing healthcare needs, making it a practical choice for those commencing their careers.
About the Kenmore Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenmore
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 Kenmore
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Kenmore, WA typically start between $48,724 and $58,265 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,031 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,436 — 8.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $24,000 represents just 49.26% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($48,724/year) in Kenmore. 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 Kenmore
- 1Research the Kenmore market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $48,724 to $58,265, 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 Kenmore, 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 Kenmore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenmore'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 Kenmore is $32,031 ( 65.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,724, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,755.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,225
2025 BLS Actual
$47,429
2026 Current Est.
$48,724
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kenmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,225 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,613 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,029 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,049 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,827 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,218 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,429 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,724 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,054 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Kenmore, WA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,225 in 2019 to $47,429 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,054. New graduates entering the Kenmore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenmore 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 Kenmore
Opportunities for newly graduated physical therapist assistants in Kenmore primarily reside within outpatient clinics, which frequently hire fresh graduates due to their focus on rehabilitation services. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit PTAs, despite recent reimbursement cuts that have impacted budgets. Home health agencies, however, typically favor candidates with one to two years of clinical experience. For those wanting to enhance their starting salaries, obtaining an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and acquiring state licensure are essential prerequisites. Additionally, pursuing continuing education and advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further elevate qualifications. New graduates should be prepared for the realities of working under physical therapist supervision while navigating reduced reimbursement rates from CMS, particularly in Medicare-dependent settings. Realistically, those in their first three years can expect salary increases as they become more integral to their teams, though growth may be tempered by the ongoing effects of the 15% cut to Medicare Part B reimbursements instituted in 2022.
More salary data for Kenmore, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Kenmore in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Kenmore?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Kenmore?
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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 Kenmore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenmore 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