Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Steamboat Springs, CO: $63,102 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Steamboat Springs, CO earns a median $63,102/year (≈ $30.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Steamboat Springs's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $60,097 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $63,102, reflecting a 10.17% decrease compared to the national median. Salaries for this role vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $44,776 and experienced professionals making up to $79,452. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors in Steamboat Springs, illustrate the challenges that PTAs face following recent changes in payment structures. The shift in Medicare reimbursement rates, particularly the 15% cut applied to PTA services, has had a notable impact, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings where many physical therapist assistants are employed.
About the Steamboat Springs Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,776 | $21.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,827 | $28.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,102 | $30.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,641 | $33.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,452 | $38.20 |
Median Salary Position
10.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Steamboat Springs
In Steamboat Springs, CO, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,676 (2026 est.). At $63,102, the local median is 10.17% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Steamboat Springs: You'd be above the median
How Steamboat Springs Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Steamboat Springs median: $63,102/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Steamboat Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $66,916 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -10.17% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Steamboat Springs, CO earn a median of $63,102 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.17% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.70% below the Colorado state average of $66,916.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Steamboat Springs has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Steamboat Springs, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,102 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,097 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,810
2025 BLS Actual
$61,425
2026 Current Est.
$63,102
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Steamboat Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,691 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,957 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,386 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,562 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,425 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,102 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,825 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Steamboat Springs metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $52,810 (2019) to $61,425 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,825 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,015 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Steamboat Springs 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) | $44,776 – $58,827 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,827 – $63,102 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,102 – $69,641 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,641 – $79,452 |
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 Steamboat Springs
Despite the current market conditions, Steamboat Springs offers unique opportunities for physical therapist assistants, with only four individuals currently in this role and a cost-of-living index of 105, which slightly exceeds the national average. This higher cost of living emphasizes the importance of maximizing take-home pay. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and home health agencies typically offer the most competitive compensation in the area. The salary range reflects variations driven by factors like the work setting, productivity expectations, and the need for supervision. To enhance earning potential, PTAs should consider focusing on outpatient clinics or pursuing supplementary education, such as PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways, which may help navigate the evolving pay structures in this market.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Steamboat Springs, CO in 2026?
Is Steamboat Springs, CO a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Steamboat Springs?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Steamboat Springs?
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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 $61,425 for physical therapist assistantsin the Steamboat Springs 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 Steamboat Springs 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