Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Bozeman, MT: $66,498 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Bozeman, MT earns a median $66,498/year (≈ $31.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Bozeman's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $69,125 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in Bozeman is projected to be $66,498, reflecting a modest decrease of approximately 5.34% compared to the national median of $70,247 for similar roles. Salaries in the region display a range from $48,627 at the tenth percentile to a maximum of $90,276 at the ninetieth percentile, providing a nuanced view of compensation opportunities within the local market. These figures stem from estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to account for regional cost variances. The relatively stable employment level, specifically 14 physical therapist assistants currently in the field, plays a vital role in shaping the overall salary dynamics. As the healthcare sector adapts to changing reimbursement models, including impacts from the Medicare cut, Bozeman's job market reflects both challenges and opportunities.
About the Bozeman Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,627 | $23.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,371 | $28.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,498 | $31.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,909 | $36.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,276 | $43.40 |
Median Salary Position
5.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bozeman
In Bozeman, MT, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,649 (2026 est.). At $66,498, the local median is 5.34% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Bozeman: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bozeman Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Bozeman median: $66,498/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bozeman Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $67,579 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -5.34% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Bozeman, MT earn a median of $66,498 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.34% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.60% below the Montana state average of $67,579.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bozeman has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bozeman, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $66,498 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,125 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,653
2025 BLS Actual
$64,731
2026 Current Est.
$66,498
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,653 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,915 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,731 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,498 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,314 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bozeman metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $55,653 (2019) to $64,731 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,314 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,661 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bozeman 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) | $48,627 – $59,371 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,371 – $66,498 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,498 – $74,909 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,909 – $90,276 |
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 Bozeman
The local job market for physical therapist assistants in Bozeman, MT, currently supports a relatively small workforce, which can influence both competition and compensation levels. With a cost-of-living index of 96.2, professionals can expect a slightly lower purchasing power than the national average, which can affect decisions when negotiating salaries. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly well-established chains and private practices, tend to offer higher pay, while skilled nursing facilities have faced increased pressure following the recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. This 15% reduction has flattened salary growth in such settings, often leading to lower compensation in skilled nursing compared to positions in outpatient clinics. For PTAs looking to maximize their earning potential in Bozeman, seeking opportunities in outpatient environments, staying updated on state regulations, and pursuing further education through PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways could enhance career prospects and compensation.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Bozeman, MT in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Bozeman?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Bozeman?
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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 $64,731 for physical therapist assistantsin the Bozeman 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 Bozeman 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