Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Murray, KY: $59,840 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Murray, KY earns a median $59,840/year (≈ $28.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Murray's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $67,010 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Murray, Kentucky, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $59,840, reflecting the local conditions driven by productivity expectations and the nature of patient visits per day. The salary range for this profession spans from $46,724 at the 10th percentile to $74,572 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a diverse compensation landscape influenced by the cost of living and local market demand. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for regional price parities, indicate a salary structure that places Murray's pay as roughly 14.81% below the national median of $70,247 for physical therapist assistants in 2026. To navigate this market, understanding the specifics of employer expectations and local healthcare settings is crucial.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,724 | $22.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,182 | $26.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,840 | $28.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,594 | $32.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,572 | $35.85 |
Median Salary Position
14.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murray
In Murray, KY, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,848 (2026 est.). At $59,840, the local median is 14.81% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murray: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murray Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Murray median: $59,840/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murray Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $64,000 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -14.81% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Murray, KY earn a median of $59,840 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.81% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $64,000.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murray has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murray, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $59,840 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,010 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,081
2025 BLS Actual
$58,250
2026 Current Est.
$59,840
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,081 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,916 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,117 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,471 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,587 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,784 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,840 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,474 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murray metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $50,081 (2019) to $58,250 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,474 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,393 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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) | $46,724 – $55,182 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,182 – $59,840 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,840 – $67,594 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,594 – $74,572 |
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 Murray
Although only four physical therapist assistants are currently employed in Murray, the local job market presents unique opportunities given the cost of living index of 89.3, which suggests a more affordable lifestyle compared to national averages. This lower cost of living can positively impact take-home purchasing power, a vital consideration for those in the field. Generally, outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to pay the most among local employers, followed by skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. Factors that drive salary variations include the setting—where hospital positions often offer higher compensation—alongside productivity expectations and weekend or PRN premiums. Additionally, the ongoing effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA services have affected salaries, especially in Medicare-dependent environments like skilled nursing facilities. Those looking to maximize their physical therapist assistant pay in Murray, KY, would benefit from seeking out positions in high-paying outpatient clinics or pursuing specializations that are in demand.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Murray, KY in 2026?
Is Murray, KY a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Murray?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Murray?
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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 $58,250 for physical therapist assistantsin the Murray 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 Murray 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