Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Longview, WA: $45,991 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Longview, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,991 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longview's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,822 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,935) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Longview, WA, the entry-level physical therapist assistant salary is projected to be around $45,991 in 2026, which represents a significant gap from the overall city median of $66,935. New graduates can anticipate a growth trajectory where their initial pay gradually increases as they garner experience. Over the first few years, it's common for PTAs to move from initial salaries approaching $45,991 to around $57,533 as they reach the 25th percentile, with the potential to earn more as they develop their skills and take on additional responsibilities. Given the positive growth rate of 2.73% for physical therapist assistants, Longview presents a reasonable job market for new graduates starting their careers, particularly when considering the demand for skilled practitioners in this field.
About the Longview Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longview
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 Longview
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Longview, WA typically start between $45,991 and $57,533 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,434 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,935 — 4.71% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $24,000 represents just 52.18% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,991/year) in Longview. 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 Longview
- 1Research the Longview market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,991 to $57,533, 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 Longview, 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 Longview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longview'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 Longview is $41,434 ( 90.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,991, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,425.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,362
2025 BLS Actual
$44,769
2026 Current Est.
$45,991
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,362 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,727 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,953 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,634 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,481 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,142 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,769 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,991 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,247 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Longview, WA grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,362 in 2019 to $44,769 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,247. New graduates entering the Longview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 Longview
As you start your journey as a physical therapist assistant in Longview, understanding the local employment landscape is crucial. Outpatient therapy chains are among the most active employers hiring recent graduates, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit despite budgetary constraints affecting reimbursement rates. Candidates with a CAPTE-accredited Associate's degree, a passing score on the NPTAE national exam, a state PTA license, and BLS certification stand out among applicants. Although home health agencies may prefer hiring candidates with 1-2 years of experience, newly minted PTAs with relevant credentials will still find opportunities. Entering the workforce during a time when Medicare reimbursement for PTA-provided services has been cut by 15% means that early-career salaries might feel compressed in areas heavily reliant on Medicare. However, proactive professional development and consideration of advanced proficiency through the APTA can enhance earning potential, especially in the critical first few years. Realistic salary growth expectations in this context would suggest careful career moves to optimize advancement in a market that is steadily evolving.
More salary data for Longview, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Longview in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Longview?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Longview?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Longview?
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 Longview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Longview 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