Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Surprise, AZ: $66,600 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Surprise, AZ earns a median $66,600/year (≈ $32.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Surprise's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $67,614 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Surprise, AZ, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $66,600. This compensation falls slightly below the national median of $70,247, yet the local salary range shows potential for growth, with starting salaries (P10) around $47,187 and those in the highest percentile (P90) reaching up to $89,103. These figures represent local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences. For those considering advancing from a PTA to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, taking this bridge can significantly enhance lifetime earning potential and open additional opportunities within the local healthcare market.
About the Surprise Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,187 | $22.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,401 | $28.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,600 | $32.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,797 | $37.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,103 | $42.84 |
Median Salary Position
5.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Surprise
In Surprise, AZ, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,916 (2026 est.). At $66,600, the local median is 5.19% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Surprise: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Surprise Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Surprise median: $66,600/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Surprise Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $66,733 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -5.19% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Surprise, AZ earn a median of $66,600 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.19% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $66,733.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Surprise 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.
Surprise, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $66,600 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,614 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,738
2025 BLS Actual
$64,830
2026 Current Est.
$66,600
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,738 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,667 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,004 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,511 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,753 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,600 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,418 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Surprise metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $55,738 (2019) to $64,830 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,418 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,680 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Surprise 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) | $47,187 – $58,401 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,401 – $66,600 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,600 – $77,797 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,797 – $89,103 |
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 Surprise
The job market for physical therapist assistants in Surprise remains relatively stable, employing 31 individuals in this role. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, which is below the national average, residents enjoy a slightly lower expense level compared to many other regions, positively impacting their take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the most competitive pay, reflecting a higher volume of patient interactions and fewer Medicare constraints compared to skilled nursing facilities where recent cuts may reduce financial viability. Differences in salaries can stem from factors such as the setting of employment, the pressure of productivity expectations, and special circumstances like weekend work or PRN opportunities. Aspiring PTAs in Surprise should consider working in outpatient settings and pursuing additional certifications to maximize their pay in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Surprise, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Surprise, AZ in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Surprise?
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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 $64,830 for physical therapist assistantsin the Surprise 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 Surprise 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