Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in University Place, WA: $47,154 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the University Place, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,154 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out University Place's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,905 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,308) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant (PTA) field in University Place, Washington, can expect an entry-level salary starting around $47,154. While this figure is notably lower than the city median salary of $67,308, it reflects a realistic expectation for those just beginning their careers. Over the first several years, new PTAs can expect their salaries to grow as they gain experience, moving from the 25th percentile pay of $58,313 to the median. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, University Place is likely an appealing market for new PTA graduates, balancing between competitive pay and opportunities for skill development in a supportive health environment.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in University Place
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 University Place
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in University Place, WA typically start between $47,154 and $58,313 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,323 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,308 — 4.18% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $24,000 represents just 50.90% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,154/year) in University Place. 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 University Place
- 1Research the University Place market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,154 to $58,313, 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 University Place, 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 University Place for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5University Place'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 University Place is $41,323 ( 87.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,154, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,477.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,155
2025 BLS Actual
$45,901
2026 Current Est.
$47,154
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,155 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,836 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,662 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,479 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,453 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,901 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,154 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,441 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in University Place, WA grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,155 in 2019 to $45,901 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,441. New graduates entering the University Place job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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 University Place
Employers in University Place actively seeking new graduates primarily include outpatient chains, which tend to hire the majority of entry-level PTAs. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit despite facing reimbursement challenges, while home health agencies often favor candidates with some clinical experience. To maximize starting pay in Washington, candidates should ensure they hold an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and obtain a state PTA license. Engaging in continuing education and pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further enhance earning potential. Realistically, entry-level PTAs can expect incremental salary increases in their first few years, especially as they adapt to changing regulations, including the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements, which has created a degree of compression in pay, particularly in Medicare-dependent settings.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in University Place in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in University Place?
Is physical therapy school worth it in University Place?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in University Place?
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 University Place. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for University Place 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