Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Kirkland, WA: $68,402 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Kirkland, WA earns a median $68,402/year (≈ $32.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Kirkland's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $63,689 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kirkland, WA, the projected salary for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in 2026 is set at $68,402 annually. This figure positions the local job market slightly below the national median of $70,247, reflecting specific economic conditions and cost structures in the area. The salary range for PTAs extends from $45,940 at the lowest end (P10) to $87,716 at the highest (P90), indicating a diverse wage spectrum driven by various factors such as experience, setting, and productivity expectations. Estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and reflect regional price adjustments that impact the local market, making Kirkland competitive yet challenging for aspiring PTAs.
About the Kirkland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,940 | $22.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,011 | $27.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,402 | $32.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,072 | $37.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,716 | $42.17 |
Median Salary Position
2.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kirkland
In Kirkland, WA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,776 (2026 est.). At $68,402, the local median is 2.63% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kirkland: You'd be above the median
How Kirkland Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Kirkland median: $68,402/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kirkland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $68,608 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -2.63% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Kirkland, WA earn a median of $68,402 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.63% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% below the Washington state average of $68,608.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kirkland has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kirkland, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,402 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,689 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,246
2025 BLS Actual
$66,584
2026 Current Est.
$68,402
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kirkland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,246 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,573 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,121 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,397 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,066 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,584 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,402 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,269 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kirkland metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $57,246 (2019) to $66,584 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,269 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,023 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kirkland 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) | $45,940 – $58,011 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,011 – $68,402 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,402 – $78,072 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,072 – $87,716 |
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 Kirkland
An analysis of the job market reveals that there are currently 13 physical therapist assistants employed in Kirkland, which underscores a niche but established workforce. With a cost-of-living index at 107.4, PTAs may find their take-home purchasing power somewhat constrained compared to national averages. Employment settings play a significant role in determining pay levels, with outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offering higher salaries than skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies. Factors contributing to pay disparities include productivity expectations, the impact of the CMS 15% Medicare cut affecting those reliant on Medicare reimbursements, and the supervisory requirements mandated for PTAs. To maximize earnings in this environment, PTAs should consider opportunities in outpatient settings, seek additional qualifications that enhance their marketability, and stay informed on state-level job openings that can provide enhanced pay.
More salary data for Kirkland, 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 $66,584 for physical therapist assistantsin the Kirkland 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 Kirkland 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