Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Auburn, WA: $67,842 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Auburn, WA earns a median $67,842/year (≈ $32.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $63,168 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected for 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in Auburn, Washington, is set at $67,842, which is slightly below the national median of $70,247. Local salaries range from $44,669 at the P10 level to as high as $90,190 for the P90 group, reflecting the variability in pay based on experience, location, and employment setting. These figures are estimates derived from BLS state-level data with adjustments for regional cost factors. As Auburn continues to expand its healthcare services, the growing demand for qualified professionals positions the city as a competitive market for physical therapist assistants.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,669 | $21.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,450 | $28.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,842 | $32.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,347 | $38.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,190 | $43.36 |
Median Salary Position
3.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, WA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,521 (2026 est.). At $67,842, the local median is 3.42% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be above the median
How Auburn Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Auburn median: $67,842/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $68,666 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -3.42% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Auburn, WA earn a median of $67,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.42% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $68,666.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,842 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,168 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,777
2025 BLS Actual
$66,039
2026 Current Est.
$67,842
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,777 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,724 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,085 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,621 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,886 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,435 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,039 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,842 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,694 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $56,777 (2019) to $66,039 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,694 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,917 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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) | $44,669 – $59,450 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,450 – $67,842 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,842 – $79,347 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,347 – $90,190 |
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 Auburn
The local job market in Auburn features approximately 23 employed physical therapist assistants, a factor that highlights a specialized niche where qualified candidates can find job opportunities suited to their expertise. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, earnings in Auburn may not stretch as far as they would in areas with lower living costs, potentially impacting disposable income. Among key employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer the highest pay, followed by skilled nursing facilities, which have seen recent adjustments due to the Medicare cuts impacting PTA reimbursements. To maximize pay in this market, professionals should consider seeking positions that provide productivity bonuses, exploring outpatient settings, or pursuing additional certifications. Understanding the nuances of setting type and productivity requirements can significantly enhance earning potential for physical therapist assistants in Auburn, WA.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Auburn, WA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Auburn?
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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 $66,039 for physical therapist assistantsin the Auburn 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 Auburn 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