Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Maryland Heights, MO: $62,086 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Maryland Heights, MO earns a median $62,086/year (≈ $29.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Maryland Heights's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $69,292 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Maryland Heights, MO, can expect a median annual salary of $62,086, reflecting a competitive position within the job market, especially when considering the national median of $70,247. The salary range for PTAs locally spans from $43,585 at the 10th percentile to $81,796 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for growth and advancement based on experience and specialization. These projections are derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, emphasizing the need for PTAs to consider local employment conditions and their future career pathways. As the demand for physical therapist assistants continues to grow, especially with the PTA-to-DPT bridge opportunities advancing, understanding these salary dynamics could significantly enhance lifetime earnings for those entering the field.
About the Maryland Heights Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,585 | $20.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,903 | $25.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,086 | $29.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,905 | $33.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,796 | $39.33 |
Median Salary Position
11.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maryland Heights
In Maryland Heights, MO, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,211 (2026 est.). At $62,086, the local median is 11.62% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Maryland Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Maryland Heights Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Maryland Heights median: $62,086/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Maryland Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $63,224 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -11.62% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Maryland Heights, MO earn a median of $62,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.62% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.80% below the Missouri state average of $63,224.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Maryland Heights has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Maryland Heights, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $62,086 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,292 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,960
2025 BLS Actual
$60,436
2026 Current Est.
$62,086
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Maryland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,960 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,826 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,072 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,478 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,636 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,436 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,086 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,781 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Maryland Heights metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $51,960 (2019) to $60,436 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,781 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,821 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maryland Heights 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) | $43,585 – $53,903 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,903 – $62,086 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,086 – $68,905 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,905 – $81,796 |
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 Maryland Heights
In Maryland Heights, a total of only five physical therapist assistants are currently employed, indicating a tight job market where opportunities may be limited. Given the local cost-of-living index of 89.6, which is below the national average, PTAs could find that their take-home pay has increased purchasing power relative to living expenses. Among employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the highest compensation, as they often have less stringent productivity expectations compared to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) affected by the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement for PTA services. Additionally, PTAs specializing in weekends or PRN work may benefit from premium pay rates. To maximize compensation within this specific market, PTAs should actively pursue additional certifications and consider roles in higher-paying settings or seek positions that allow for more patient interaction and supervision responsibilities. This proactive approach is essential in navigating the evolving landscape of physical therapist assistant pay in Maryland Heights, MO.
More salary data for Maryland Heights, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Maryland Heights, MO in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Maryland Heights?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Maryland Heights?
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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 $60,436 for physical therapist assistantsin the Maryland Heights 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 Maryland Heights 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