Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Kennewick, WA: $36,469 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Kennewick, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,469 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kennewick's local price level (BEA RPP 100.1 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,440 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($74,972) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kennewick, Washington, new graduates entering the field of physical therapy as assistants can expect an entry-level salary that reflects both the local market dynamics and the broader industry context. With the projected starting physical therapist assistant salary in 2026 estimated at $36,469, newcomers will find themselves significantly below the city’s median salary of $74,972. However, these figures present a clear growth trajectory, as early-career professionals can anticipate annual pay increases that may elevate them toward the 25th percentile ($61,227) within just a few years. This steady rise in earning potential, coupled with Kennewick’s relatively strong job market, offers promising prospects for recent PTA graduates who are embarking on their professional journeys.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kennewick
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 Kennewick
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Kennewick, WA typically start between $36,469 and $61,227 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,789 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $74,972 — 6.73% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $24,000 represents just 65.81% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($36,469/year) in Kennewick. 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 Kennewick
- 1Research the Kennewick market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $36,469 to $61,227, 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 Kennewick, 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 Kennewick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kennewick'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 Kennewick is $59,789 ( 163.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,469, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,258.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,540
2025 BLS Actual
$35,500
2026 Current Est.
$36,469
2019–2027 Growth
+-0.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kennewick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,230 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,469 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,465 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Kennewick, WA grew -5.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,540 in 2019 to $35,500 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,465. New graduates entering the Kennewick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennewick 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 Kennewick
Employers in Kennewick that often seek entry-level physical therapist assistants primarily include outpatient therapy chains, which typically hire recent graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit PTAs despite reimbursement cuts, although many home health agencies prefer candidates with one to two years of clinical experience. To enhance their starting pay, new graduates should focus on obtaining credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing a state PTA license. Additional continuing education, like advanced proficiency credentials from the APTA, can also provide a competitive edge. During the first three years, realistic salary growth for new grad physical therapist assistants in WA may occur, but factors like the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA services should also be kept in mind, particularly for those working in settings where Medicare has a strong presence.
More salary data for Kennewick, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Kennewick in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Kennewick?
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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 Kennewick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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