Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Pocatello, ID: $59,450 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Pocatello, ID earns a median $59,450/year (≈ $28.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Pocatello's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $66,868 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Idaho state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Projected at $59,450 for 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in Pocatello showcases a competitive wage in a region where healthcare roles continue to evolve. While this figure reflects a notable gap compared to the national median of $70,247, the local pay range reveals that individuals at the lower end earn $29,011, while those at the top can reach $72,579. These insights derive from official BLS OEWS surveys, emphasizing the breadth of earning potential based on experience and specific employment settings. As Pocatello's healthcare landscape adapts to both evolving patient needs and reimbursement pressures, those considering a physical therapy career can strategize their education pathways—including the PTA-to-DPT bridge—to increase their lifetime earning potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,011 | $13.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,091 | $25.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,450 | $28.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,590 | $30.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,579 | $34.90 |
Median Salary Position
15.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pocatello
In Pocatello, ID, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,568 (2026 est.). At $59,450, the local median is 15.37% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Pocatello: You'd be above the median
How Pocatello Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Pocatello median: $59,450/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pocatello Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $62,777 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -15.37% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Pocatello, ID earn a median of $59,450 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.37% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.30% below the Idaho state average of $62,777.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pocatello has a cost of living 11.09% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pocatello, ID has a cost-of-living index of 88.906 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $59,450 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,868 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.48% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,370
2025 BLS Actual
$57,870
2026 Current Est.
$59,450
2019–2027 Growth
+-0.5%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,870 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,450 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,073 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pocatello metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew -5.7% from $61,370 (2019) to $57,870 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,073 by 2027 — a total increase of $-297 (-0.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pocatello 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) | $29,011 – $53,091 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,091 – $59,450 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,450 – $63,590 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,590 – $72,579 |
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 Pocatello
In Pocatello, approximately 60 physical therapist assistants are currently employed within a job market characterized by steady demand and an annual growth rate of 2.73%. The cost of living index stands at 88.906, indicating that the relative affordability of the area may enhance take-home purchasing power compared to larger urban centers. Employers in outpatient orthopedic clinics and specialized pediatric facilities typically offer the highest pay, while skilled nursing facilities often see compressed wages due to the ongoing impact of the 15% Medicare cut, which has fundamentally affected reimbursement structures. The disparity in salaries can often hinge on the setting—hospital roles generally pay more than outpatient positions—and expectations around productivity, supervision, and weekend work. Those in Pocatello aiming to maximize their physical therapist assistant pay may consider seeking opportunities in higher-paying niches or pursuing additional certifications to broaden their skill sets.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Pocatello, ID in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Pocatello?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Pocatello?
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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 $57,870 for physical therapist assistantsin the Pocatello 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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