Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in West Lafayette, IN: $62,727 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in West Lafayette, IN earns a median $62,727/year (≈ $30.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in West Lafayette's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $68,704 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in West Lafayette can expect a median annual salary of $62,727, reflecting the local market's current trends and adjustments following the 15% Medicare reduction in reimbursement rates. The salary range for this role spans from $46,361 at the lower end to $81,589 for those at the higher end of the spectrum. These estimates drawn from 2025 BLS data encompass various factors, including regional cost adjustments, and highlight changes that have shifted compensation dynamics, particularly for those working in outpatient settings versus skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). As the job market continues to adapt to these financial pressures, the role of physical therapist assistants remains pivotal in delivering necessary rehabilitative services across the community.
About the West Lafayette Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,361 | $22.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,130 | $26.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,727 | $30.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,541 | $34.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,589 | $39.22 |
Median Salary Position
10.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Lafayette
In West Lafayette, IN, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,228 (2026 est.). At $62,727, the local median is 10.71% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Lafayette: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Lafayette Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
West Lafayette median: $62,727/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Lafayette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $63,747 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -10.71% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in West Lafayette, IN earn a median of $62,727 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.71% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.60% below the Indiana state average of $63,747.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Lafayette 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.
West Lafayette, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $62,727 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,704 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,497
2025 BLS Actual
$61,060
2026 Current Est.
$62,727
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in West Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,497 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,372 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,051 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,049 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,060 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,727 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,439 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Lafayette metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $52,497 (2019) to $61,060 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,439 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,942 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Lafayette 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) | $46,361 – $56,130 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,130 – $62,727 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,727 – $72,541 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,541 – $81,589 |
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 West Lafayette
The local job market in West Lafayette supports a modest workforce of eight physical therapist assistants, a figure which may suggest limited competition but also reflects the area's unique hiring landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 91.3, residents enjoy a lower purchasing power challenge compared to national averages, making the local salary scale particularly relevant for budgeting. Outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer the most favorable compensation, while SNFs may lag due to past Medicare cuts. Factors influencing pay disparities include productivity expectations, the demand for weekend and PRN work, and the requirements for supervision under state regulations. For those seeking to maximize physical therapist assistant pay in West Lafayette, focusing on specialized outpatient roles or leveraging weekend availability may yield better financial rewards while remaining compliant with APTA standards and state laws.
More salary data for West Lafayette, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in West Lafayette, IN in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in West Lafayette?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in West Lafayette?
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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 $61,060 for physical therapist assistantsin the West Lafayette 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 West Lafayette 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