Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Bellingham, WA: $68,264 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Bellingham, WA earns a median $68,264/year (≈ $32.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Bellingham's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $66,062 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Bellingham, Washington, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $68,264. This figure reflects a competitive local market, especially given that the wage range extends from $39,130 at the 10th percentile to $91,491 at the 90th percentile. The salary data stems from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and indicates a slightly lower compensation compared to the national median of $70,247, suggesting that Bellingham’s job market is impacted by regional economic factors. Since the 15% Medicare cut that took effect in 2022, the financial environment has shifted, particularly affecting pay in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) due to increased reliance on outpatient services. Understanding these changes is essential for those exploring a career as a physical therapist assistant in Bellingham, as it informs potential job opportunities and compensation expectations.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,130 | $18.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,412 | $28.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,264 | $32.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,845 | $37.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,491 | $43.99 |
Median Salary Position
2.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellingham
In Bellingham, WA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,361 (2026 est.). At $68,264, the local median is 2.82% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Bellingham: You'd be above the median
How Bellingham Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Bellingham median: $68,264/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bellingham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $68,607 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -2.82% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Bellingham, WA earn a median of $68,264 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $68,607.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bellingham has a cost of living 3.33% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bellingham, WA has a cost-of-living index of 103.334 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,264 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,062 — a 3.23% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,310
2025 BLS Actual
$66,450
2026 Current Est.
$68,264
2019–2027 Growth
+12.5%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,450 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,264 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,128 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bellingham metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 6.6% from $62,310 (2019) to $66,450 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,128 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,818 (12.55%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellingham 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) | $39,130 – $58,412 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,412 – $68,264 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,264 – $78,845 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,845 – $91,491 |
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 Bellingham
The local job market consists of 80 physical therapist assistants, highlighting a steady demand for this occupation amidst Bellingham's cost of living index of 103.334, which surpasses the national average. This higher cost of living can strain take-home pay, making it vital for professionals in this field to seek employment with the highest-paying employers. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly larger chains, and local hospitals often offer better compensation compared to home health agencies and SNFs, which have faced financial restrictions post-Medicare cuts. Factors affecting the disparity in pay include variations in productivity expectations, weekend and PRN premiums, and credentialing requirements. To maximize earning potential in the Bellingham market, physical therapist assistants should focus on gaining experience in high-demand settings like hospital inpatient rehab or a pediatric clinic, as this can improve salary prospects significantly while navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Bellingham, WA in 2026?
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Bellingham?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Bellingham?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in Bellingham?
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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 $66,450 for physical therapist assistantsin the Bellingham 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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