Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $62,345 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Wilkes-Barre, PA earns a median $62,345/year (≈ $29.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Wilkes-Barre's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $64,009 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapist assistants in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $62,345 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position within the state and against national trends. The projected salary range spans from $43,775 at the 10th percentile to $78,692 for the 90th percentile, showcasing the diversity in compensation opportunities for PTAs in the area. These figures stem from estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, providing a localized perspective on physical therapist assistant pay in Wilkes-Barre PA. It's essential for aspiring PTAs and those considering a PTA-to-DPT bridge to understand how these salary trajectories can significantly enhance lifetime earnings, particularly in a job market with steady growth opportunities.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,775 | $21.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,280 | $26.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,345 | $29.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,637 | $33.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,692 | $37.84 |
Median Salary Position
11.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilkes-Barre
In Wilkes-Barre, PA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,917 (2026 est.). At $62,345, the local median is 11.25% below the national median of $70,247.
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How Wilkes-Barre Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Wilkes-Barre median: $62,345/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilkes-Barre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $63,359 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -11.25% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $62,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.25% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $63,359.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilkes-Barre 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.
Wilkes-Barre, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $62,345 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,009 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,177
2025 BLS Actual
$60,688
2026 Current Est.
$62,345
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,177 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,047 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,298 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,709 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,872 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,344 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,688 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,345 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,047 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $52,177 (2019) to $60,688 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,047 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,870 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilkes-Barre 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) | $43,775 – $54,280 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,280 – $62,345 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,345 – $70,637 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,637 – $78,692 |
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 Wilkes-Barre
Taking into account the local job market, there are currently 11 physical therapist assistants employed in Wilkes-Barre, indicating a niche market that may experience fluctuations based on healthcare demands. With a cost-of-living index at 97.4, compensation can stretch further compared to more expensive regions, making the physical therapist assistant salary in Wilkes-Barre quite appealing. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer higher pay rates, while skilled nursing facilities may be affected by the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement for PTA services, impacting salaries in those settings. To maximize earning potential, PTAs should consider focusing on outpatient roles, which historically offer better pay, look into providing weekend coverage for premium pay, and pursue additional certifications that enhance their value in the workplace. Understanding these dynamics will be critical for those navigating their career in this sector.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Wilkes-Barre, PA in 2026?
Is Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Wilkes-Barre?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Wilkes-Barre?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in Wilkes-Barre?
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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 $60,688 for physical therapist assistantsin the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre 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