Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Pontiac, MI: $60,607 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Pontiac, MI earns a median $60,607/year (≈ $29.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Pontiac's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $65,029 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $60,607 for physical therapist assistants in Pontiac, Michigan, this compensation falls approximately 13.72% below the national average of $70,247 for the same profession in 2026. The salary range for this role locally extends from $42,582 at the 10th percentile to $77,972 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse array of opportunities based on experience, settings, and productivity expectations. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living factors, reflect Pontiac's market characteristics, with therapy service demand impacting compensation dynamics. The local job market's size, currently employing 12 physical therapist assistants, signifies competitive factors that shape salary rates in this region.
About the Pontiac Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,582 | $20.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,761 | $25.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,607 | $29.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,186 | $33.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,972 | $37.49 |
Median Salary Position
13.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pontiac
In Pontiac, MI, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,390 (2026 est.). At $60,607, the local median is 13.72% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pontiac: You'd be above the median
How Pontiac Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Pontiac median: $60,607/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pontiac Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $62,740 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -13.72% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Pontiac, MI earn a median of $60,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.72% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.40% below the Michigan state average of $62,740.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pontiac 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.
Pontiac, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $60,607 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,029 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,722
2025 BLS Actual
$58,996
2026 Current Est.
$60,607
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pontiac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,722 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,568 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,784 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,156 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,286 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,799 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,996 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,607 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,261 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pontiac metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $50,722 (2019) to $58,996 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,261 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,539 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pontiac 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) | $42,582 – $52,761 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,761 – $60,607 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,607 – $69,186 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,186 – $77,972 |
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 Pontiac
Given Pontiac's cost-of-living index of 93.2, those earning a physical therapist assistant salary in Pontiac can enjoy a slightly lower living expense compared to the national average, which can enhance overall purchasing power. Employers offering the highest pay in the area typically include outpatient orthopedic clinics and select skilled nursing facilities, where high volumes of patient visits directly influence compensation. The spread in pay can largely be attributed to clinical settings, productivity demands, and facility types. Most significantly, the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement for PTA services has compelled outpatient and SNF environments to adapt their staffing strategies, often reducing pay to remain financially viable. For PTAs in Pontiac, maximizing income opportunities involves seeking employment with outpatient facilities that may offer higher base rates and incentivized bonuses tied to patient throughput. Understanding these market nuances is crucial for those considering a career as a physical therapist assistant in Pontiac, MI.
More salary data for Pontiac, 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 $58,996 for physical therapist assistantsin the Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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