Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Erie, CO: $66,212 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Erie, CO earns a median $66,212/year (≈ $31.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Erie's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $63,059 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median salary for physical therapist assistants in Erie, Colorado stands at $66,212, indicating a modest dip compared to the national median of $70,247. Salaries in this region range from $47,093 at the 10th percentile to $81,940 at the 90th percentile, providing a varied landscape for aspiring professionals. These figures, derived from state-level estimates and regional cost adjustments, reflect the impact of the recent changes in the healthcare reimbursement landscape, particularly the post-Medicare cuts that have affected job roles in settings such as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). In this competitive market, Erie's salary structure underscores the challenges and opportunities available to physical therapist assistants as they adapt to a shifting care paradigm.
About the Erie Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,093 | $22.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,093 | $27.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,212 | $31.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,022 | $35.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,940 | $39.40 |
Median Salary Position
5.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Erie
In Erie, CO, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,847 (2026 est.). At $66,212, the local median is 5.74% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Erie: You'd be above the median
How Erie Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Erie median: $66,212/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Erie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $66,948 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -5.74% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Erie, CO earn a median of $66,212 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.74% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $66,948.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Erie has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Erie, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,212 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,059 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,413
2025 BLS Actual
$64,452
2026 Current Est.
$66,212
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,413 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,337 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,666 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,164 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,399 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,452 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,212 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,019 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Erie metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $55,413 (2019) to $64,452 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,019 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,606 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Erie 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) | $47,093 – $58,093 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,093 – $66,212 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,212 – $74,022 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,022 – $81,940 |
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 Erie
In Erie, the local job market remains relatively small, currently employing just five physical therapist assistants. The cost of living index, at 105, slightly exceeds the national average, which influences the real purchasing power of these salaries. Outpatient orthopedic clinics and home health agencies typically offer greater compensation compared to skilled nursing facilities, which have been hit hard by the 15% Medicare cut in reimbursement for PTA services. This has led to a broader disparity in pay as productivity expectations and supervision requirements come into play. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Erie, pursuing work in high-demand outpatient settings or considering PRN opportunities could enhance their financial prospects. Additionally, exploring continuing education pathways, such as DPT bridge programs, might offer future leverage for advancement in this evolving field.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
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 $64,452 for physical therapist assistantsin the Erie 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 Erie 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