Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Detroit, MI: $63,919 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Detroit, MI earns a median $63,919/year (≈ $30.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Detroit's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 100.3), that paycheck buys what $63,729 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% above the Michigan state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Detroit, MI, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $63,919, which reflects a difference of 9.01% below the national median of $70,247. The salary range varies considerably, from $30,028 at the 10th percentile to $82,687 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, reveals the influence of productivity expectations, as higher patient visit rates often correlate with better earnings. With an increasing demand for physical therapy services, especially in urban areas like Detroit, professionals in this field are finding opportunities to enhance their financial prospects through strategic career choices.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,028 | $14.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,383 | $19.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,919 | $30.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,569 | $32.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,687 | $39.76 |
Median Salary Position
9.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Detroit
In Detroit, MI, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,659 (2026 est.). At $63,919, the local median is 9.01% below the national median of $70,247.
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How Detroit Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Detroit median: $63,919/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Detroit Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $62,788 | +1.80% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | -9.01% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Detroit, MI earn a median of $63,919 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.01% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.80% above the Michigan state average of $62,788.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Detroit has a cost of living 0.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Detroit, MI has a cost-of-living index of 100.298 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,919 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,729 — a 0.3% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,030
2025 BLS Actual
$62,220
2026 Current Est.
$63,919
2019–2027 Growth
+21.5%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Detroit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,710 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,730 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,919 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,664 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Detroit metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 15.2% from $54,030 (2019) to $62,220 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,664 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,634 (21.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Detroit 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) | $30,028 – $40,383 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,383 – $63,919 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,919 – $66,569 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,569 – $82,687 |
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 Detroit
Detroit's job market currently employs approximately 1,880 physical therapist assistants, indicating healthy demand within the sector. However, the cost of living index of 100.298 suggests that take-home pay may not stretch as far as expected in this economic environment. Outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the highest salaries, while skilled nursing facilities may struggle due to the ongoing 15% Medicare reimbursement cut implemented in 2022, impacting PTA pay in settings that rely heavily on Medicare. To maximize earning potential in Detroit, aspiring PTAs should consider pursuing positions in outpatient clinics, seeking additional certifications, and staying informed about changes in reimbursement policies, which can significantly affect pay scales across various settings.
More salary data for Detroit, MI:
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 $62,220 for physical therapist assistantsin the Detroit 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