Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in El Mirage, AZ: $64,713 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in El Mirage, AZ earns a median $64,713/year (≈ $31.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in El Mirage's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $65,698 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median annual salary for a physical therapist assistant in El Mirage, Arizona, stands at $64,713. This figure is relatively lower compared to the national median of $70,247, illustrating the regional disparities in pay. The salary range for this role extends from $44,114 at the 10th percentile to $83,791 at the 90th percentile, providing a clear picture of potential earnings in this market. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations, reflect the ongoing impacts of Medicare changes on service delivery models. With significant structural shifts in outpatient care and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) following Medicare's 15% cut to reimbursement, the job market for physical therapist assistants in El Mirage remains competitive yet challenging.
About the El Mirage Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,114 | $21.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,105 | $28.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,713 | $31.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,605 | $35.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,791 | $40.28 |
Median Salary Position
7.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in El Mirage
In El Mirage, AZ, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,677 (2026 est.). At $64,713, the local median is 7.88% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in El Mirage: You'd be above the median
How El Mirage Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
El Mirage median: $64,713/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | El Mirage Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $66,714 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -7.88% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in El Mirage, AZ earn a median of $64,713 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.88% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.00% below the Arizona state average of $66,714.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
El Mirage has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
El Mirage, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $64,713 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,698 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,159
2025 BLS Actual
$62,993
2026 Current Est.
$64,713
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in El Mirage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,159 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,061 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,825 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,032 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,032 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,993 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,713 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,479 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the El Mirage metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $54,159 (2019) to $62,993 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,479 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,320 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the El Mirage 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) | $44,114 – $59,105 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,105 – $64,713 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,713 – $74,605 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,605 – $83,791 |
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 El Mirage
While there are only eight physical therapist assistants currently employed in El Mirage, this concentration suggests a tightly knit job market where each position can influence broader salary trends. The cost-of-living index stands at 98.5, slightly below the national average, which indicates that salaries here may stretch further than in higher-cost areas. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the most competitive pay, while skilled nursing facilities have experienced budget constraints due to the Medicare cuts. This has resulted in a gap between the highest and lowest salaries, driven by factors such as setting, productivity expectations, and the nature of care environments. To maximize earning potential in this market, PTAs should consider opportunities in outpatient settings and pursue continued education or specialization, as these can enhance their value and leverage against increasing demands for skilled rehabilitation services.
More salary data for El Mirage, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $62,993 for physical therapist assistantsin the El Mirage 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 El Mirage 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