Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Seattle, WA: $37,609 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Seattle, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,609 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Seattle's local price level (BEA RPP 111.1 — 11% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,841 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,237) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant (PTA) field in Seattle can expect a starting physical therapist assistant salary of around $37,609. This figure is considerably lower than the city median salary for PTAs, which stands at $67,237, highlighting a significant gap that new grads might need to navigate. Over the first few years in the field, there is potential for growth from this entry-level pay through the 25th percentile, ultimately bringing starting PTAs closer to the median as they gain experience and skills. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, Seattle presents a relatively stable job market for newly graduated PTAs, allowing for career advancement and salary improvements within the health care system.
Career Earnings Timeline in Seattle
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 Seattle
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Seattle, WA typically start between $37,609 and $37,609 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,885 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,237 — 4.28% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $24,000 represents just 63.81% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($37,609/year) in Seattle. 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 Seattle
- 1Research the Seattle market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $37,609 to $37,609, 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 Seattle, 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 Seattle for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Seattle's above-average cost of living (index: 111.133) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Seattle is $61,885 ( 164.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,609, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,494.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,230
2025 BLS Actual
$36,610
2026 Current Est.
$37,609
2019–2027 Growth
+-16.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,610 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,609 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,636 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Seattle, WA grew -20.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,230 in 2019 to $36,610 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,636. New graduates entering the Seattle job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Seattle 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 Seattle
The hiring landscape for new grad physical therapist assistants in Seattle typically favors outpatient clinics which actively recruit entry-level staff. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also seek new PTAs, although the recent 15% cuts to Medicare reimbursement for PTA services may limit growth opportunities in these settings. To enhance their competitive edge and starting salary in WA, new graduates should ensure they hold an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, complete the NPTAE national exam, and obtain their state PTA license. Pursuing continuing education through advanced proficiency credentials offered by APTA can further bolster earning potential. Aspiring PTAs should adopt strategic career planning in their early years, focusing on building experience under the supervision of licensed physical therapists to cultivate skills necessary for excellence in their profession. Realistically, salary growth in the first three years may see increased compensation as one progresses through roles and responsibilities, although the impact of the changing reimbursement landscape will continue to shape the job market.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Seattle in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Seattle?
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Related Pages
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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 Seattle. 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