Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Tukwila, WA: $63,440 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Tukwila, WA earns a median $63,440/year (≈ $30.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $59,069 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tukwila, WA, the salary landscape for physical therapist assistants showcases a median annual income of $63,440, positioning it notably below the national median of $70,247. The pay spectrum spans from approximately $48,273 at the lower end (P10) to up to $77,665 for those at the higher end (P90). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the impacts of evolving healthcare dynamics. The market has experienced shifts, particularly following the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022, which has influenced how physical therapist assistants are compensated in outpatient settings compared to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). These changes demand adaptability and a keen understanding of the local healthcare climate for practitioners considering their career paths in this region.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,273 | $23.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,152 | $27.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,440 | $30.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,798 | $34.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,665 | $37.34 |
Median Salary Position
9.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,392 (2026 est.). At $63,440, the local median is 9.69% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Tukwila: You'd be above the median
How Tukwila Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $63,440/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $68,658 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -9.69% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $63,440 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.69% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $68,658.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,440 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,069 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,093
2025 BLS Actual
$61,754
2026 Current Est.
$63,440
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,093 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,978 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,252 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,688 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,871 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,476 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,754 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,440 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,172 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $53,093 (2019) to $61,754 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,172 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,079 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $48,273 – $56,152 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,152 – $63,440 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,440 – $70,798 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,798 – $77,665 |
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 Tukwila
The job market for physical therapist assistants in Tukwila appears stable, with only four local professionals currently employed in this field. Understanding the cost-of-living index of 107.4 is essential, as it slightly surpasses the national average. This means that while the salary figures may seem modest, the local economy's context must be considered when assessing purchasing power. Among potential employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab programs tend to offer the highest remuneration compared to skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies. Factors that contribute to the wage variance include setting, productivity expectations, and financial implications tied to the Medicare reimbursement cuts. To maximize earnings in Tukwila, aspiring PTAs should focus on gaining experience in higher-paying environments and consider opportunities that offer weekend or PRN shifts, which can enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Tukwila, WA in 2026?
Is Tukwila, WA a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Tukwila?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Tukwila?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in Tukwila?
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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 $61,754 for physical therapist assistantsin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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