Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Towson, MD: $81,098 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Towson, MD earns a median $81,098/year (≈ $38.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Towson's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $74,198 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.6% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Towson, Maryland, the projected median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in 2026 stands at $81,098, showcasing a notable increase over national earnings for the same role, which are estimated at $70,247. Local compensation ranges from $59,668 at the 10th percentile to around $107,488 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a robust job market within the area. This salary structure takes into account various factors, including the local cost of living, which is slightly above the national average, as well as shifts in healthcare reimbursement policies following the 15% cut in Medicare funding for services provided by physical therapist assistants. As the local market adjusts to these changes, professionals will find varied opportunities, particularly in outpatient settings which may offer competitive pay compared to skilled nursing facilities.
About the Towson Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,668 | $28.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,616 | $34.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,098 | $38.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,719 | $45.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,488 | $51.67 |
Median Salary Position
15.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Towson
In Towson, MD, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,820 (2026 est.). At $81,098, the local median is 15.45% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Towson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Towson Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Towson median: $81,098/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Towson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $76,797 | +5.60% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +15.45% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Towson, MD earn a median of $81,098 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.45% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 5.60% above the Maryland state average of $76,797.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Towson has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Towson, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,098 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,198 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,872
2025 BLS Actual
$78,943
2026 Current Est.
$81,098
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Towson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,872 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,003 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,466 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,979 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,295 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,943 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,098 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,312 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Towson metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $67,872 (2019) to $78,943 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,312 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,440 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Towson 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) | $59,668 – $72,616 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,616 – $81,098 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,098 – $94,719 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,719 – $107,488 |
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 Towson
With 11 physical therapist assistants currently employed in Towson, the job market remains competitive, presenting potential for those entering the field. However, the cost-of-living index of 109.3 indicates that while salaries may be higher than average, purchasing power can be impacted accordingly. Among various employers in the area, outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer some of the highest wages, while skilled nursing facilities tend to lag behind, struggling with reduced Medicare reimbursements. The disparities in pay are also driven by productivity expectations, with outpatient roles generally demanding higher output due to the nature of their reimbursement structures. For physical therapist assistants seeking to maximize their income in Towson, pursuing opportunities in settings with higher demand, like pediatric clinics or home health agencies, could be beneficial. Networking with local providers and considering weekend or PRN roles may also enhance earning potential, especially in the wake of recent Medicare cuts.
More salary data for Towson, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Towson?
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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 $78,943 for physical therapist assistantsin the Towson 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 Towson 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