Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $46,188 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,188 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,452 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,270) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field as physical therapist assistants in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, can expect starting salaries around $46,188 in 2026, which is below the city's median annual income of $62,270. While this entry-level pay may seem modest, it reflects a solid opportunity for growth as new PTAs can realistically look forward to increasing their earnings over the first few years of their career. For those who stay in the profession and build their skills, there is potential to reach the 25th percentile salary of $55,842 within a few years, progressively moving toward the median as they gain experience. Manitowoc’s market currently offers a favorable environment for new graduates, with a growth rate of 2.73% projected for the coming years; thus, the starting physical therapist assistant salary in Manitowoc may serve as a stepping stone to more lucrative opportunities.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
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 Manitowoc
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $46,188 and $55,842 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,796 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,270 — 11.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $18,000 represents just 38.97% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,188/year) in Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,188 to $55,842, 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 Manitowoc, 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 Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc'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 Manitowoc is $32,796 ( 71.01%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,188, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,984.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,496
2025 BLS Actual
$44,961
2026 Current Est.
$46,188
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,496 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,863 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,103 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,809 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,961 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,188 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,449 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,496 in 2019 to $44,961 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,449. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
Employers in Manitowoc, primarily outpatient rehab chains, are crucial for hiring entry-level physical therapist assistants, giving new grads several job options in clinical environments. Although skilled nursing facility (SNF) rehabilitation companies continue to recruit, recent Medicare policy changes—specifically the 15% reimbursement cut for PTA services—have impacted salary potential in these settings, often favoring candidates with some experience. To enhance their starting pay, new PTAs should ensure they complete a CAPTE-accredited associate's degree, pass the NPTAE national exam, and obtain their state PTA license. While many agencies prefer hiring PTAs with at least one to two years of experience for home health positions, advancing through continuing education and pursuing APTA's advanced proficiency credentials can increase marketability. In the first few years, salary growth opportunities may be promising, with many PTAs potentially moving beyond entry-level pay depending on their role and environment within this shifting healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Manitowoc in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Manitowoc?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Manitowoc?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Manitowoc?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Wisconsin?
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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 Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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