Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Lakewood, WA: $67,814 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Lakewood, WA earns a median $67,814/year (≈ $32.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $63,142 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Lakewood, Washington can expect a median annual salary of $67,814, slightly below the national median of $70,247. Salary figures in the area range from $44,677 at the 10th percentile to $90,315 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse job market that caters to a range of experience and skill levels. The estimates provided derive from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlighting Lakewood's specific economic context. Given the projected growth rate of 2.73% annually, individuals considering a career as a physical therapist assistant in Lakewood could benefit from the potential salary increases as demand for services rises in the healthcare sector.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,677 | $21.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,878 | $29.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,814 | $32.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,256 | $38.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,315 | $43.42 |
Median Salary Position
3.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, WA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,638 (2026 est.). At $67,814, the local median is 3.46% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be above the median
How Lakewood Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $67,814/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $68,638 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -3.46% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Lakewood, WA earn a median of $67,814 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.46% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $68,638.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,814 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,142 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,754
2025 BLS Actual
$66,012
2026 Current Est.
$67,814
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,754 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,700 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,061 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,596 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,861 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,405 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,012 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,814 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,665 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $56,754 (2019) to $66,012 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,665 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,911 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $44,677 – $60,878 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,878 – $67,814 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,814 – $79,256 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,256 – $90,315 |
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 Lakewood
Currently, Lakewood employs 14 physical therapist assistants, indicating a relatively stable job market for these professionals. However, it’s important to consider the cost of living, with a cost-of-living index of 107.4, which is above the national average. This reality impacts take-home purchasing power and reflects the economics of local employment settings. Outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most competitive pay, with the former often being more lucrative due to fewer constraints compared to SNF, where the ongoing Medicare cuts have reduced PTA hours and, consequently, compensation. Maximizing pay in Lakewood may involve seeking opportunities in high-paying outpatient settings, pursuing the PTA-to-DPT bridge to increase earning potential, or considering roles in facilities that offer additional pay for weekend shifts or PRN positions.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Lakewood, WA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Lakewood?
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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 $66,012 for physical therapist assistantsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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