Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Lakewood, OH: $65,042 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Lakewood, OH earns a median $65,042/year (≈ $31.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $71,711 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in Lakewood, OH, is projected to be $65,042. When considering the full salary range from $43,575 at the 10th percentile to $87,529 at the 90th percentile, the earnings potential for qualified professionals in this field is notable. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for local market conditions and cost of living variations. Compared to the national median of $70,247, physical therapist assistant pay in Lakewood is approximately 7.41% lower, reflecting the area's specific economic dynamics. With 11 physical therapist assistants currently employed, those seeking opportunities in this market may find a competitive but accessible job environment.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,575 | $20.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,030 | $26.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,042 | $31.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,081 | $35.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,529 | $42.08 |
Median Salary Position
7.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, OH, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,954 (2026 est.). At $65,042, the local median is 7.41% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $65,042/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $65,369 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -7.41% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Lakewood, OH earn a median of $65,042 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.41% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.50% below the Ohio state average of $65,369.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $65,042 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,711 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,434
2025 BLS Actual
$63,314
2026 Current Est.
$65,042
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,434 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,342 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,333 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,755 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,314 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,042 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,818 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $54,434 (2019) to $63,314 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,818 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,384 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $43,575 – $55,030 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,030 – $65,042 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,042 – $74,081 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,081 – $87,529 |
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 Lakewood
In Lakewood, the local job market for physical therapist assistants shows promise with 11 professionals engaged in the field. The area's cost of living index sits at 90.7, suggesting that while salaries may be slightly lower than national averages, take-home purchasing power remains decent. Outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation, with factors such as work setting, productivity expectations, and supervisory responsibilities contributing to the disparity in pay. The recent 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements for PTA services has particularly impacted earnings in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings, reinforcing the value of maximizing productivity and seeking positions with opportunities for overtime or PRN work. To enhance earnings, physical therapist assistants in Lakewood are encouraged to pursue specialized certifications or bridge programs to DPT qualifications, ultimately diversifying their skill set for higher-paying roles.
More salary data for Lakewood, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Lakewood, OH in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Lakewood?
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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 $63,314 for physical therapist assistantsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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