Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Puyallup, WA: $65,720 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Puyallup, WA earns a median $65,720/year (≈ $31.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Puyallup's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $61,192 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Puyallup, Washington are projected to earn a median salary of $65,720 annually, which is about 6.44% lower than the national median of $70,247. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $48,878, while highly experienced professionals can earn up to $83,514. These figures represent local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the evolving job market in Puyallup. The shift towards outpatient services and the effects of recent Medicare cuts have had a noticeable impact on salary structures, particularly for those working in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient settings.
About the Puyallup Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,878 | $23.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,033 | $28.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,720 | $31.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,219 | $36.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,514 | $40.15 |
Median Salary Position
6.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Puyallup
In Puyallup, WA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,636 (2026 est.). At $65,720, the local median is 6.44% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Puyallup: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Puyallup Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Puyallup median: $65,720/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Puyallup Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $68,602 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -6.44% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Puyallup, WA earn a median of $65,720 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.44% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.20% below the Washington state average of $68,602.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Puyallup has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Puyallup, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,720 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,192 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,002
2025 BLS Actual
$63,974
2026 Current Est.
$65,720
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Puyallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,002 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,919 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,238 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,725 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,951 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,045 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,974 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,720 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,515 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Puyallup metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $55,002 (2019) to $63,974 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,515 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,513 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Puyallup 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) | $48,878 – $59,033 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,033 – $65,720 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,720 – $76,219 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,219 – $83,514 |
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 Puyallup
The job market for physical therapist assistants remains competitive in Puyallup, with approximately ten professionals currently employed in the area. Despite a cost-of-living index of 107.4, which suggests that living expenses are higher than the national average, prospective PTAs must carefully consider their employment opportunities. Outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer better compensation compared to SNFs, primarily due to the latter's reduced reimbursement rates following the 15% Medicare cut. Variables such as work setting, weekend shifts, and productivity expectations can also influence earnings significantly. To maximize physical therapist assistant pay in Puyallup, securing positions that provide supervision and mentorship, especially in high-demand outpatient facilities, can be a strategic move. With a growth rate of 2.73% expected, there may be opportunities for upward mobility as healthcare demands continue to evolve.
More salary data for Puyallup, 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 $63,974 for physical therapist assistantsin the Puyallup 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 Puyallup 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