Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Waldorf, MD: $77,030 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Waldorf, MD earns a median $77,030/year (≈ $37.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Waldorf's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $70,476 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For physical therapist assistants in Waldorf, MD, the projected median annual salary for 2026 is $77,030, which positions the local earning potential favorably against the national median of $70,247. This salary reflects a broad range, with entry-level positions starting around $52,642 and experienced professionals earning as much as $97,055. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, which includes a cost of living index of 109.3, indicating higher-than-average living expenses in the area. As physical therapist assistants consider their career trajectories, those looking to bridge to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) can enhance their lifetime earning potential and compete more effectively in a market that rewards advanced education and specialization.
About the Waldorf Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,642 | $25.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,949 | $31.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,030 | $37.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,629 | $42.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,055 | $46.66 |
Median Salary Position
9.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waldorf
In Waldorf, MD, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,413 (2026 est.). At $77,030, the local median is 9.66% above the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Waldorf: You'd be above the median
How Waldorf Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Waldorf median: $77,030/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waldorf Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $76,800 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +9.66% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Waldorf, MD earn a median of $77,030 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.66% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% above the Maryland state average of $76,800.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waldorf has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waldorf, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,030 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,476 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,467
2025 BLS Actual
$74,983
2026 Current Est.
$77,030
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Waldorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,467 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,542 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,088 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,831 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,567 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,983 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,030 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,133 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waldorf metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $64,467 (2019) to $74,983 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,133 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,666 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waldorf 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) | $52,642 – $65,949 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,949 – $77,030 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,030 – $88,629 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,629 – $97,055 |
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 Waldorf
Local employment trends indicate that there are currently 15 physical therapist assistants working in Waldorf, highlighting a niche market that can influence salary dynamics. Given the cost of living, this market requires careful consideration of how take-home earnings will translate into purchasing power. Outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the highest pay among various healthcare settings in Waldorf, although skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have seen pay compression due to the recent 15% Medicare cut. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to factors such as setting differences—hospital environments generally remunerate better than outpatient practices or SNFs as they can set higher productivity expectations. To maximize pay, PTAs should target the outpatient sector for employment, consider weekend or PRN work for added compensation, and seek supervisory roles that align with Medicare and state regulations. Understanding the local healthcare landscape will aid PTAs in making informed career decisions.
More salary data for Waldorf, MD:
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 $74,983 for physical therapist assistantsin the Waldorf 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 Waldorf 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