Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Tempe, AZ: $67,025 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Tempe, AZ earns a median $67,025/year (≈ $32.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Tempe's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $68,046 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For a physical therapist assistant in Tempe, Arizona, the projected median annual salary in 2026 is $67,025, slightly below the national average of $70,247. The salary range varies significantly, with the lowest earners making around $48,153 and the highest reaching approximately $86,194, evidencing the diversity of opportunities available in this field. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect local market conditions and cost adjustments, highlighting the growing demand for PTAs in Tempe. With options to bridge to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), the long-term earning potential can enhance significantly for those pursuing further education, making this an attractive career path amidst varying salary levels.
About the Tempe Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,153 | $23.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,277 | $28.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,025 | $32.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,228 | $36.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,194 | $41.44 |
Median Salary Position
4.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tempe
In Tempe, AZ, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,041 (2026 est.). At $67,025, the local median is 4.59% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Tempe: You'd be above the median
How Tempe Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Tempe median: $67,025/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tempe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $66,758 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | -4.59% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Tempe, AZ earn a median of $67,025 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.59% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $66,758.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tempe 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.
Tempe, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $67,025 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,046 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,094
2025 BLS Actual
$65,244
2026 Current Est.
$67,025
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,094 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,029 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,891 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,141 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,285 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,244 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,025 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,855 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tempe metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $56,094 (2019) to $65,244 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,855 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,761 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tempe 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) | $48,153 – $59,277 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,277 – $67,025 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,025 – $76,228 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,228 – $86,194 |
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 Tempe
The job market for physical therapist assistants in Tempe is promising, with 43 professionals currently employed in the area. Given the cost of living index of 98.5, residents find a somewhat affordable environment, which can enhance the real value of local salaries. Outpatient orthopedic clinics typically pay the most, along with skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and hospital settings. However, the disparity in pay is influenced by several factors, including productivity expectations, workplace settings, and the ongoing impact of the Medicare reimbursement cuts. To maximize earning potential in Tempe, aspiring PTAs should focus on gaining experience in high-paying specialties, consider shifts that may offer weekend or PRN premiums, and explore opportunities for supervision or mentorship in dominant healthcare providers in the area.
More salary data for Tempe, 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 $65,244 for physical therapist assistantsin the Tempe 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 Tempe 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