Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Lorain, OH: $66,078 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Lorain, OH earns a median $66,078/year (≈ $31.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Lorain's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $72,853 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lorain, Ohio, the projected median annual salary for a physical therapist assistant stands at $66,078 for 2026, reflecting the economic shifts in healthcare post-Medicare cuts. Salaries for this role range from $43,964 at the 10th percentile to $84,260 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant spectrum of earning potential. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments that influence local pay rates. Since the implementation of Medicare’s 15% reimbursement cuts, the market has distinctly changed, particularly affecting pay structures in skilled nursing facilities compared to outpatient settings, highlighting an ongoing need for PTAs specializing in high-demand environments such as outpatient clinics.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,964 | $21.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,693 | $28.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,078 | $31.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,134 | $36.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,260 | $40.51 |
Median Salary Position
5.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lorain
In Lorain, OH, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,296 (2026 est.). At $66,078, the local median is 5.93% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Lorain: You'd be above the median
How Lorain Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Lorain median: $66,078/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lorain Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $65,359 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | -5.93% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Lorain, OH earn a median of $66,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.93% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $65,359.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lorain 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.
Lorain, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $66,078 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,853 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,301
2025 BLS Actual
$64,322
2026 Current Est.
$66,078
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,301 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,223 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,549 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,045 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,277 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,674 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,322 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,078 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,882 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lorain metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $55,301 (2019) to $64,322 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,882 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,581 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain 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) | $43,964 – $59,693 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,693 – $66,078 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,078 – $75,134 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,134 – $84,260 |
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 Lorain
Currently, Lorain supports 12 physical therapist assistants, reflecting a modest, locally concentrated employment market. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, compensation here may afford a better standard of living than the regional median suggests. Outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs typically offer the most competitive compensation, responding more dynamically to productivity expectations and patient volume. Conversely, skilled nursing facilities have seen wage compression, largely due to the Medicare cuts affecting reimbursement rates. PTAs looking to maximize their earnings in Lorain should consider pursuing additional certifications or specialized training preferred by employers and emphasize flexibility, such as weekend or PRN shifts, to better meet the hiring needs of local facilities.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $64,322 for physical therapist assistantsin the Lorain 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 Lorain 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