Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Wasilla, AK: $68,902 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Wasilla, AK earns a median $68,902/year (≈ $33.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Wasilla's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 106.1), that paycheck buys what $64,941 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Alaska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in Wasilla, Alaska, is set at $68,902, reflecting a slight dip compared to the national median of $70,247. This figure sits within a salary range that spans from $52,373 at the tenth percentile to $84,166 at the ninetieth percentile, providing a comprehensive view of compensation possibilities in this market. These salary estimates are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional price differentials. Following recent changes in Medicare reimbursement, particularly the 15% cut to PTA-provided services, the job market has restructured, favoring outpatient settings over skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). This shift emphasizes the need for adaptability among PTAs in Wasilla as they navigate evolving employer dynamics and patient care demands.
About the Wasilla Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,373 | $25.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,001 | $29.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,902 | $33.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,932 | $36.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,166 | $40.47 |
Median Salary Position
1.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wasilla
In Wasilla, AK, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,793 (2026 est.). At $68,902, the local median is 1.91% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Wasilla: You'd be above the median
How Wasilla Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Wasilla median: $68,902/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wasilla Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $74,569 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -1.91% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Wasilla, AK earn a median of $68,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.91% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.60% below the Alaska state average of $74,569.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wasilla has a cost of living 6.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wasilla, AK has a cost-of-living index of 106.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,902 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,941 — a 5.75% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,665
2025 BLS Actual
$67,071
2026 Current Est.
$68,902
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wasilla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,665 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,626 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,009 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,568 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,853 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,622 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,071 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,902 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,783 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wasilla metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $57,665 (2019) to $67,071 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,783 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,118 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wasilla 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $52,373 – $61,001 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,001 – $68,902 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,902 – $76,932 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,932 – $84,166 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Wasilla
Given that there are currently only four physical therapist assistants employed in the Wasilla area, the job market remains relatively small, leading to unique challenges and opportunities. The cost of living in Wasilla is slightly above the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 106.1, which can impact take-home purchasing power. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and home health agencies generally offer competitive compensation, often exceeding wages found in institutional settings like SNFs. Variability in pay is driven by factors such as work setting, productivity expectations, weekend premiums, and the supervision requirements imposed on PTAs. To maximize earning potential in this environment, PTAs may consider pursuing certification in specialty areas or seeking opportunities where they can offer a variety of services, thus enhancing their appeal to potential employers in the competitive Wasilla job market.
More salary data for Wasilla, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Wasilla, AK in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Wasilla?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $67,071 for physical therapist assistantsin the Wasilla metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wasilla 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