Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Richmond, KY: $62,997 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Richmond, KY earns a median $62,997/year (≈ $30.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $70,545 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in Richmond is projected to be $62,997 annually, which is about 10.32% below the national median of $70,247. The local salary range extends from $44,292 at the 10th percentile to $77,355 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations in experience and work environments. With a cost of living index of 89.3, Richmond offers a relatively below-average cost for residents, which impacts how much disposable income PTAs can expect. For those considering a career path that bridges from PTA to DPT, understanding the financial commitment and potential increase in lifetime earnings is crucial for making informed decisions in this evolving job market.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,292 | $21.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,892 | $26.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,997 | $30.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,418 | $34.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,355 | $37.19 |
Median Salary Position
10.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, KY, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,063 (2026 est.). At $62,997, the local median is 10.32% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be above the median
How Richmond Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Richmond median: $62,997/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $63,956 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -10.32% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Richmond, KY earn a median of $62,997 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.32% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $63,956.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond 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.
Richmond, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $62,997 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,545 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,723
2025 BLS Actual
$61,323
2026 Current Est.
$62,997
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,723 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,602 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,866 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,292 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,467 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,515 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,323 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,997 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,717 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $52,723 (2019) to $61,323 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,717 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,994 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $44,292 – $54,892 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,892 – $62,997 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,997 – $71,418 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,418 – $77,355 |
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 Richmond
With only five physical therapist assistants currently employed in the Richmond area, opportunities may seem limited, but the market supports a solid growth rate of 2.73% annually. The local job landscape is influenced by various factors, including outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities, which tend to offer the best compensation packages. However, the take-home purchasing power can be hampered due to the cost of living, despite lower housing costs. The widening pay gap within the field can often be attributed to differences in settings—hospital environments typically pay more than outpatient or skilled nursing settings, especially following the 15% Medicare cut that reduced reimbursements for PT services. Strategies for maximizing pay include seeking roles with weekend or per diem shifts that offer higher rates, focusing on specialized rehabilitation areas, and considering transitional pathways to become a DPT for enhanced earning potential.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Richmond, KY in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Richmond?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Richmond?
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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 $61,323 for physical therapist assistantsin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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