Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Burien, WA: $68,314 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Burien, WA earns a median $68,314/year (≈ $32.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Burien's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $63,607 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in Burien, Washington, is projected to reach $68,314, reflecting the ongoing adjustments in this sector following the structural changes post-Medicare cuts. Employers across the region will be offering salaries that range from $49,283 at the entry level to $91,988 for experienced practitioners, with estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments. Local job opportunities have experienced a shift, with outpatient settings often paying differently compared to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), particularly due to the impact of Medicare cuts on reimbursement rates. This evolving salary landscape indicates a local market searching for qualified personnel, highlighting a demand for physical therapist assistants across various settings.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,283 | $23.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,435 | $29.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,314 | $32.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,444 | $38.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,988 | $44.23 |
Median Salary Position
2.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
In Burien, WA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,705 (2026 est.). At $68,314, the local median is 2.75% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burien: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burien Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Burien median: $68,314/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burien Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $68,658 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -2.75% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Burien, WA earn a median of $68,314 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.75% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $68,658.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burien has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burien, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,314 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,607 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,173
2025 BLS Actual
$66,499
2026 Current Est.
$68,314
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,173 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,126 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,497 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,043 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,317 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,968 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,499 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,314 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,179 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burien metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $57,173 (2019) to $66,499 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,179 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,006 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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) | $49,283 – $60,435 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,435 – $68,314 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,314 – $80,444 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,444 – $91,988 |
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 Burien
The job market in Burien features eight physical therapist assistants, illustrating a small yet focused workforce. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, professionals may find their take-home purchasing power affected by local economic conditions. Outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the highest pay, often surpassing that of skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. The disparity in pay can be attributed to multiple factors, including the work environment, productivity expectations, and the implications of the 15% Medicare cut, which has compressed salaries in heavily Medicare-reliant settings. To optimize earnings in Burien through routes such as weekend and PRN work, as well as exploring lucrative opportunities in outpatient care, physical therapist assistants can position themselves strategically within the evolving market. Understanding employer payment structures and seeking additional certifications may further enhance earning potential in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
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 $66,499 for physical therapist assistantsin the Burien 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 Burien 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