Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in South Portland, ME: $68,678 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in South Portland, ME earns a median $68,678/year (≈ $33.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in South Portland's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $68,954 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in South Portland, Maine, is projected at $68,678. This falls slightly below the national median of $70,247, marking a difference of 2.23%. The salary range for PTAs in this area reflects a diverse market, with the lower end at $51,756 and the upper end reaching up to $88,413. Factors influencing these local compensation rates include shifts in the workforce dynamics, especially post-Medicare cuts affecting outpatient care and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). As service delivery models evolve, understanding these salary structures is essential for aspiring PTAs seeking employment in South Portland's rehabilitative landscape.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,756 | $24.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,879 | $29.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,678 | $33.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,865 | $37.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,413 | $42.51 |
Median Salary Position
2.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Portland
In South Portland, ME, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,657 (2026 est.). At $68,678, the local median is 2.23% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Portland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Portland Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
South Portland median: $68,678/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Portland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $69,937 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -2.23% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in South Portland, ME earn a median of $68,678 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.23% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.80% below the Maine state average of $69,937.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Portland has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Portland, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $68,678 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,954 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,477
2025 BLS Actual
$66,853
2026 Current Est.
$68,678
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,477 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,435 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,814 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,368 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,649 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,643 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,853 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,678 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,553 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Portland metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $57,477 (2019) to $66,853 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,553 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,076 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South 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) | $51,756 – $60,879 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,879 – $68,678 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,678 – $78,865 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,865 – $88,413 |
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 South Portland
Analyzing the physical therapist assistant pay in South Portland, ME, reveals a competitive job market, albeit with only four professionals currently employed in the area, indicating a tight niche. The local cost of living index stands at 99.6, slightly below the national average, potentially enhancing the purchasing power for PTAs in this region. To maximize earnings, it is crucial to consider which settings offer the highest pay; typically, outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab programs tend to provide better compensation compared to SNFs, which are still grappling with the ramifications of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. Productivity expectations and weekend or PRN assignments can also offer boosts in hourly rates. For prospective PTAs, leveraging these factors, along with exploring employment in diverse healthcare settings, will be vital for maximizing their career potential in South Portland.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in South Portland, ME in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in South Portland?
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Related Pages
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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 $66,853 for physical therapist assistantsin the South 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
Salary data for South Portland 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