Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in East Lansing, MI: $61,871 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in East Lansing, MI earns a median $61,871/year (≈ $29.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in East Lansing's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $66,385 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in East Lansing, Michigan, is anticipated to be $61,871. This figure represents an attractive option within the local healthcare job market, positioned below the national median of $70,247. The salary range for this occupation varies, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $46,464 and the highest 90% earning around $81,341. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, reflecting the productivity expectations tied to visits-per-day that PTAs experience in their daily work. Given these figures, East Lansing presents a compelling market for aspiring physical therapist assistants, especially considering the region’s unique healthcare system and opportunities.
About the East Lansing Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,464 | $22.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,907 | $26.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,871 | $29.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,421 | $32.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,341 | $39.11 |
Median Salary Position
11.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Lansing
In East Lansing, MI, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,877 (2026 est.). At $61,871, the local median is 11.92% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Lansing: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Lansing Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
East Lansing median: $61,871/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Lansing Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $62,750 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -11.92% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in East Lansing, MI earn a median of $61,871 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.92% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.40% below the Michigan state average of $62,750.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Lansing has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Lansing, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $61,871 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,385 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,780
2025 BLS Actual
$60,227
2026 Current Est.
$61,871
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in East Lansing (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,644 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,885 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,286 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,577 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,227 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,871 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,560 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Lansing metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $51,780 (2019) to $60,227 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,560 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,780 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Lansing 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) | $46,464 – $55,907 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,907 – $61,871 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,871 – $68,421 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,421 – $81,341 |
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 East Lansing
The appeal of this profession in East Lansing is further ensured by the local job market, with eight physical therapist assistants currently employed in the area, contributing to a dynamic work environment. The cost-of-living index, which sits at 93.2, indicates that East Lansing is relatively affordable compared to national averages, allowing take-home amounts to stretch further. Employers in outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer competitive compensation, while skilled nursing facilities may struggle to meet pre-existing pay levels due to the impact of the 15% Medicare cut effective in 2022. Variations in pay among roles stem from factors such as the setting of employment, productivity metrics, and the necessity for supervision under Medicare guidelines. To boost earning potential, PTAs should consider targeting outpatient settings, pursuing additional certifications, and maximizing productivity during peak hours.
More salary data for East Lansing, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in East Lansing?
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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 $60,227 for physical therapist assistantsin the East Lansing 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 East Lansing 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