Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Missoula, MT: $66,086 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Missoula, MT earns a median $66,086/year (≈ $31.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Missoula's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $68,696 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Missoula, Montana, the 2026 median annual salary for a physical therapist assistant is projected at $66,086, reflecting a modest decrease of about 5.92% compared to the national median of $70,247. Salary expectations vary widely in the local market, with a range from $47,743 at the 10th percentile to $86,661 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost of living factors. The job market in Missoula is responsive to changes in the healthcare landscape, particularly given the structural divide between outpatient services and skilled nursing facilities, especially after the 15% Medicare cut that took effect in 2022.
About the Missoula Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,743 | $22.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,514 | $28.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,086 | $31.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,425 | $36.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,661 | $41.67 |
Median Salary Position
5.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Missoula
In Missoula, MT, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,918 (2026 est.). At $66,086, the local median is 5.92% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Missoula: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Missoula Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Missoula median: $66,086/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Missoula Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $67,573 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -5.92% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Missoula, MT earn a median of $66,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.92% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.20% below the Montana state average of $67,573.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Missoula 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.
Missoula, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $66,086 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,696 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$55,308
2025 BLS Actual
$64,330
2026 Current Est.
$66,086
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,308 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,556 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,052 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,285 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,086 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,890 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Missoula metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $55,308 (2019) to $64,330 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,890 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,582 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula 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) | $47,743 – $58,514 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,514 – $66,086 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,086 – $76,425 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,425 – $86,661 |
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 Missoula
Within the Missoula job market, there are currently 16 physical therapist assistants employed, reflecting a modest local demand. The cost of living index stands at 96.2, suggesting that while salaries are lower than the national average, purchasing power remains relatively favorable in this region. Outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer some of the highest pay, while skilled nursing facilities, impacted heavily by recent cuts, often pay less. Factors affecting pay disparities include the setting of employment, productivity demands, and weekend or PRN premium opportunities. Navigating these options thoughtfully can help physical therapist assistants maximize their earnings in Missoula, whether they are just starting their careers or considering advanced pathways like PTA-to-DPT programs.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Missoula, MT in 2026?
Is Missoula, MT a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Missoula?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Missoula?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in Missoula?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Montana
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 $64,330 for physical therapist assistantsin the Missoula 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 Missoula 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