Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $52,803 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Oshkosh, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,803 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oshkosh's local price level (BEA RPP 92.9 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,821 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,943) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, those starting their careers as physical therapist assistants in Oshkosh can expect to see salaries beginning at around $52,803, which may feel modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $62,943. For new graduates, this entry-level pay serves as a stepping stone toward higher earnings, with the potential to reach $60,190 within a few years as they gain experience and skills. Considering that the expected growth rate for this profession is 2.73% annually, this indicates a positive outlook for newcomers in Oshkosh. Overall, the local market demonstrates the potential to provide ample opportunities for early-career physical therapist assistants, making it a viable option for those entering the workforce.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oshkosh
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 Oshkosh
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Oshkosh, WI typically start between $52,803 and $60,190 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,898 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,943 — 10.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $18,000 represents just 34.09% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($52,803/year) in Oshkosh. 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 Oshkosh
- 1Research the Oshkosh market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $52,803 to $60,190, 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 Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oshkosh'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 Oshkosh is $25,898 ( 49.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,803, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,701.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,007
2025 BLS Actual
$51,400
2026 Current Est.
$52,803
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,007 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,427 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,653 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,803 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,245 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Oshkosh, WI grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,007 in 2019 to $51,400 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,245. New graduates entering the Oshkosh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
A range of employers in Oshkosh actively recruit new graduates, particularly in outpatient settings, which tend to be the main hiring arenas for physical therapist assistants. Facilities such as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to seek talent despite challenging reimbursement landscapes, while home health agencies often prefer candidates with a year or two of experience. To enhance starting pay opportunities, new PTAs should pursue an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and obtain a state PTA license. Additional credentials, such as advanced proficiency certificates from the APTA, can also provide a competitive edge. Given the recent 15% cuts to Medicare Part B reimbursement for PTA services, young professionals should stay informed of industry changes and focus on career development in their first few years to navigate this evolving landscape and enhance their salary prospects effectively.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Oshkosh?
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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 Oshkosh. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-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