Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Shoreline, WA: $68,841 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Shoreline, WA earns a median $68,841/year (≈ $33.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Shoreline's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $64,098 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shoreline, Washington, the projected median annual salary for physical therapist assistants stands at $68,841 in 2026. This figure reflects a slight dip compared to the national median of $70,247 but should be viewed in the context of local market conditions shaped by structural shifts post-Medicare cuts. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $47,020 and the highest earners reaching nearly $89,393. These estimations are grounded in BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost variations, illustrating how local demand for skilled therapy assistants continues to adapt, especially as outpatient care becomes increasingly significant against a backdrop of reduced reimbursements in skilled nursing facilities.
About the Shoreline Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,020 | $22.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,919 | $28.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,841 | $33.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,082 | $38.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,393 | $42.98 |
Median Salary Position
2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shoreline
In Shoreline, WA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,373 (2026 est.). At $68,841, the local median is 2% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Shoreline: You'd be above the median
How Shoreline Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Shoreline median: $68,841/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shoreline Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $68,636 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | -2.00% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Shoreline, WA earn a median of $68,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.00% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% above the Washington state average of $68,636.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shoreline has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Shoreline, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,841 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,098 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,614
2025 BLS Actual
$67,012
2026 Current Est.
$68,841
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Shoreline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,614 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,574 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,956 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,514 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,798 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,562 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,012 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,841 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,721 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shoreline metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $57,614 (2019) to $67,012 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,721 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,107 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shoreline 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) | $47,020 – $58,919 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,919 – $68,841 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,841 – $79,082 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,082 – $89,393 |
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 Shoreline
The local job market for physical therapist assistants in Shoreline is relatively modest, with only eight employed in this field. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 107.4, this creates a unique challenge for take-home purchasing power in comparison to larger markets. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly larger chains and private practices, tend to offer higher pay compared to other settings like home health agencies or pediatric clinics. Differences in compensation arise from factors such as work setting, productivity expectations, and the ongoing impact of the 15% Medicare cut, which has specifically affected earnings in SNFs and outpatient facilities. For those seeking to maximize their income in Shoreline, focusing on advanced skill acquisition, such as engaging in PTA-to-DPT bridge programs and maintaining flexibility for weekend shifts, can prove beneficial in mitigating pay variances within this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Shoreline, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Shoreline, WA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Shoreline?
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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 $67,012 for physical therapist assistantsin the Shoreline 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 Shoreline 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