Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Stevens Point, WI: $47,125 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Stevens Point, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,125 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stevens Point's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,455 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,664) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Stevens Point, WI, should anticipate a starting salary around $47,125 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range, with the median annual salary in the area projected at $62,664. Early-career PTAs can expect upward movement in their earnings as they accumulate experience, moving from this initial wage toward a potential range of $56,672 to $80,087 within their first few years. While the local market for physical therapist assistants is promising, positioning oneself strategically during job searches can greatly influence the speed at which one transitions from an entry-level role to a more established position.
About the Stevens Point Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stevens Point
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 Stevens Point
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Stevens Point, WI typically start between $47,125 and $56,672 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,962 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,664 — 10.79% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $18,000 represents just 38.20% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,125/year) in Stevens Point. 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 Stevens Point
- 1Research the Stevens Point market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,125 to $56,672, 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 Stevens Point, 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 Stevens Point for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stevens Point'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 Stevens Point is $32,962 ( 69.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,125, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,087.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,135
2025 BLS Actual
$45,873
2026 Current Est.
$47,125
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Stevens Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,135 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,815 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,636 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,455 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,153 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,873 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,125 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,412 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Stevens Point, WI grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,135 in 2019 to $45,873 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,412. New graduates entering the Stevens Point job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point
In Stevens Point, a variety of healthcare settings are open to hiring new physical therapist assistant graduates. Outpatient chains frequently recruit entry-level PTAs, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to seek new talent despite financial pressures from Medicare reimbursement cuts. However, home health agencies typically require applicants to have 1-2 years of clinical experience, making it essential for new grads to consider diverse job environments. Securing an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are fundamental steps any new PTA must take. To maximize earning potential, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA is advisable. Given the 15% Medicare Part B reduction for PTA services introduced in 2022, salary growth may be moderate over the first few years, but diligent networking and skill enhancement can help accelerate career advancement in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Stevens Point, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Stevens Point in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Stevens Point?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Stevens Point?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Stevens Point?
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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 Stevens Point. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stevens Point 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