Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Munster, IN: $58,632 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Munster, IN earns a median $58,632/year (≈ $28.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Munster's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $64,219 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.0% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Munster, IN, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $58,632, below the national average of $70,247. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $44,167 and experienced professionals earning up to $73,155, highlighting the potential for salary growth as PTAs gain experience and pursue higher qualifications. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local living costs, which can impact actual take-home pay. As Munster's healthcare landscape continues to evolve, specializing or advancing education, such as transitioning from a PTA to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), can further enhance earning capabilities over a lifetime, setting a strategic path for career development.
About the Munster Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,167 | $21.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,896 | $25.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,632 | $28.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,459 | $31.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,155 | $35.17 |
Median Salary Position
16.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Munster
In Munster, IN, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,988 (2026 est.). At $58,632, the local median is 16.53% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Munster: You'd be above the median
How Munster Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Munster median: $58,632/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Munster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $63,731 | -8.00% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -16.53% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Munster, IN earn a median of $58,632 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.53% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 8.00% below the Indiana state average of $63,731.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Munster has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Munster, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $58,632 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,219 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,070
2025 BLS Actual
$57,074
2026 Current Est.
$58,632
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Munster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,888 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,064 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,392 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,485 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,084 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,074 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,632 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,233 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Munster metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $49,070 (2019) to $57,074 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,233 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,163 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Munster 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) | $44,167 – $52,896 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,896 – $58,632 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,632 – $66,459 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,459 – $73,155 |
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 Munster
The job market for physical therapist assistants in Munster is relatively modest, with only four professionals currently employed in the field. This limited number reflects a community where the cost-of-living index stands at 91.3, slightly below the national average, indicating that local salary levels may afford slightly less purchasing power than in more costly regions. Outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer the highest pay among local employers, while skilled nursing facilities face challenges due to restrictive Medicare reimbursements and a 15% cut impacting PTA-provided services. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to factors like work settings, productivity expectations, and any additional responsibilities such as supervision. For those looking to maximize their income, pursuing outpatient roles, seeking weekend or PRN positions, and considering further education to bridge to a DPT can be effective strategies tailored to the specific dynamics of the Munster job market.
More salary data for Munster, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Munster, IN in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Munster?
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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 $57,074 for physical therapist assistantsin the Munster 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 Munster 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