Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Bethlehem, PA: $68,938 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Bethlehem, PA earns a median $68,938/year (≈ $33.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Bethlehem's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $70,778 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.8% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $68,938, slightly lower than the national median of $70,247. The income range varies significantly from $48,039 at the tenth percentile to $88,547 at the ninetieth percentile, reflecting differences in experience, work settings, and responsibilities. These projections, which are derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost differences, highlight the importance of considering both immediate earning potential and the long-term benefits of advancing from PTA to DPT. As physical therapist assistants navigate their careers, the decision to pursue further education can significantly enhance their lifetime earning prospects in a local job market that supports a growing demand for these professionals.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,039 | $23.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,928 | $28.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,938 | $33.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,611 | $37.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,547 | $42.57 |
Median Salary Position
1.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethlehem
In Bethlehem, PA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,508 (2026 est.). At $68,938, the local median is 1.86% below the national median of $70,247.
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How Bethlehem Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Bethlehem median: $68,938/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethlehem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $63,362 | +8.80% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | -1.86% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $68,938 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.86% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 8.80% above the Pennsylvania state average of $63,362.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethlehem has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethlehem, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $68,938 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,778 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,695
2025 BLS Actual
$67,106
2026 Current Est.
$68,938
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,695 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,656 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,601 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,886 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,216 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,106 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,938 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,820 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethlehem metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $57,695 (2019) to $67,106 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,820 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,125 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethlehem 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) | $48,039 – $59,928 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,928 – $68,938 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,938 – $78,611 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,611 – $88,547 |
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 Bethlehem
The job market for physical therapist assistants in Bethlehem is relatively stable, with around 14 professionals currently employed in this field. The cost of living index sits at 97.4, indicating that expenses in the area are below the national average, which can enhance take-home pay and overall financial well-being. Many of the highest-paying opportunities are found in outpatient orthopedic clinics, as well as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings, each varying in salary based on productivity expectations and associated challenges. Factors contributing to the salary range include the setting of employment, reimbursement policies affected by the 15% Medicare cut, and the added financial incentives typically offered for weekend or PRN shifts. To maximize pay, physical therapist assistants should consider specializing or gaining experience in high-demand environments and stay informed about potential changes in healthcare reimbursement models, ensuring they are well-prepared for future shifts in the industry.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Bethlehem, PA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Bethlehem?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Bethlehem?
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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 $67,106 for physical therapist assistantsin the Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem 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