Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Portland, ME: $68,973 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Portland, ME earns a median $68,973/year (≈ $33.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Portland's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.9), that paycheck buys what $67,715 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Maine state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Physical therapist assistants in Portland, Maine, can expect a median salary of $68,973 in 2026, reflecting a competitive remuneration within the field. This projection places the local physical therapist assistant pay slightly below the national median of $70,247, indicating a 1.81% difference. Salaries in this sector range from $62,213 at the 10th percentile to $79,852 at the 90th percentile, offering a spectrum of earning potential based on factors such as experience, setting, and productivity levels. The data is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, which highlight the importance of efficient visit management for maximizing compensation. In Portland, the demand for skilled physical therapist assistants continues to grow, driven by the healthcare sector's ongoing expansion.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,213 | $29.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,097 | $30.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,973 | $33.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,959 | $36.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,852 | $38.39 |
Median Salary Position
1.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portland
In Portland, ME, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,639 (2026 est.). At $68,973, the local median is 1.81% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portland Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Portland median: $68,973/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $69,952 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -1.81% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Portland, ME earn a median of $68,973 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.81% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.40% below the Maine state average of $69,952.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portland has a cost of living 1.86% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portland, ME has a cost-of-living index of 101.858 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,973 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,715 — a 1.82% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,270
2025 BLS Actual
$67,140
2026 Current Est.
$68,973
2019–2027 Growth
+23.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,973 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,856 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portland metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 17.2% from $57,270 (2019) to $67,140 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,856 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,586 (23.72%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portland 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) | $62,213 – $63,097 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,097 – $68,973 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,973 – $75,959 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,959 – $79,852 |
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 Portland
The local job market features approximately 150 physical therapist assistants employed in the Portland area, presenting a stable demand for professionals in this field. With a cost-of-living index of 101.858, living expenses in Portland are slightly above the national average, which can affect take-home pay and purchasing power for PTAs. Those seeking the highest salaries typically find opportunities in outpatient orthopedic clinics, which often prioritize high productivity, offering better compensation compared to skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. The pay disparities in this market arise from various factors, including the productivity expectations of different settings, the impact of the Medicare 15% cut on outpatient reimbursement, and the supervisory responsibilities required by state and federal laws. For PTAs looking to maximize their income, focusing on productivity, pursuing employment in high-demand outpatient settings, and considering additional certifications or bridge programs to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) may enhance both salary and career trajectory in Portland, ME.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $67,140 for physical therapist assistantsin the Portland 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