Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Janesville, WI: $56,224 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Janesville, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,224 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Janesville's local price level (BEA RPP 93.7 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,002 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,808) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of physical therapy assisting in Janesville, WI, can expect an entry-level physical therapist assistant salary starting around $56,224. This figure represents a considerable gap from the city’s median annual salary of $71,808. Moving up the pay scale, entry-level PTAs might realistically aim for a salary around $62,511 within the first few years, as they gain experience and proficiency. With a growth rate projected at 2.73% annually, the Janesville market appears favorable for newcomers, offering a promising pathway for career advancement and salary increases for those willing to commit to continuous professional development.
Career Earnings Timeline in Janesville
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 Janesville
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Janesville, WI typically start between $56,224 and $62,511 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,686 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,808 — 2.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $18,000 represents just 32.01% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($56,224/year) in Janesville. 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 Janesville
- 1Research the Janesville market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $56,224 to $62,511, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Janesville, 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 Janesville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Janesville's below-average 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 Janesville is $27,686 ( 49.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,224, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,910.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,170
2025 BLS Actual
$54,730
2026 Current Est.
$56,224
2019–2027 Growth
+25.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Janesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,730 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,224 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,759 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Janesville, WI grew 18.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,170 in 2019 to $54,730 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,759. New graduates entering the Janesville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Janesville 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 Janesville
In Janesville, employers such as outpatient chains are the primary source of entry-level positions for physical therapist assistants, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still hire recent graduates despite reimbursement challenges. Home health agencies often seek candidates with a year or two of experience, making it essential for new PTAs to gain practical skills in their first job. To enhance earning potential, graduates should focus on obtaining credentials like an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and passing the national NPTAE exam. APTA’s optional advanced proficiency credentials can also provide a boost. Given the impact of the 15% reduction in Medicare Part B reimbursement for PTA services, early-career PTAs in heavily Medicare-funded settings may find their salary growth slower than expected. Therefore, realistic expectations for salary progression in the first three years should be aligned with the dynamics of the local healthcare market. Career advancement strategies, such as a PTA to DPT bridge program, can further enhance professional opportunities and earnings for those planning a long-term career in this field.
More salary data for Janesville, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Janesville in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Janesville?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Janesville?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Janesville?
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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 Janesville. 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