Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Cortland, NY: $57,711 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Cortland, NY earns a median $57,711/year (≈ $27.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Cortland's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $49,794 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected for 2026, physical therapist assistants in Cortland, New York, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $57,711, which falls significantly below the national median of $70,247. The local salary range spans from $43,544 at the 10th percentile to $70,243 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse opportunities within different healthcare settings. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living variations. As physical therapist assistants in Cortland balance case loads and daily visits, productivity becomes a key factor influencing their salary potential. The small size of Cortland's market, with only four professionals currently employed, indicates a niche but possibly competitive job environment.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,544 | $20.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,116 | $25.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,711 | $27.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,377 | $31.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,243 | $33.77 |
Median Salary Position
17.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cortland
In Cortland, NY, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,699 (2026 est.). At $57,711, the local median is 17.85% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cortland: You'd be above the median
How Cortland Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Cortland median: $57,711/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cortland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $62,661 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -17.85% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Cortland, NY earn a median of $57,711 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.85% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $62,661.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cortland has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cortland, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,711 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,794 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,298
2025 BLS Actual
$56,177
2026 Current Est.
$57,711
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,298 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,104 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,262 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,568 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,644 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,569 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,177 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,711 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,286 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cortland metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $48,298 (2019) to $56,177 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,286 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,988 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cortland 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) | $43,544 – $52,116 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,116 – $57,711 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,711 – $65,377 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,377 – $70,243 |
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 Cortland
Employment prospects for physical therapist assistants in Cortland are influenced by both local market dynamics and the cost of living, which is indexed at 115.9—indicating higher living expenses compared to the national average. In this context, opportunities tend to be stronger in outpatient orthopedic clinics, which typically offer better pay compared to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) impacted by the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut initiated in 2022. This reduction has particularly pressured salaries in settings reliant on Medicare, emphasizing the premium pay often available in outpatient roles. To maximize earning potential, aspiring PTAs in Cortland may consider pursuing positions in high-demand areas or specializing in settings that compensate for lower payer reimbursements, such as home health agencies or pediatric clinics. Additionally, gaining advanced certifications or considering PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways can provide competitive edges in this evolving market.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Cortland?
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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 $56,177 for physical therapist assistantsin the Cortland 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 Cortland 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