Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Tumwater, WA: $76,976 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Tumwater, WA earns a median $76,976/year (≈ $37.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Tumwater's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $71,672 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.2% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Tumwater, Washington can expect a median annual salary of $76,976, which is notably above the national median of $70,247. The salary range for the occupation reflects significant variance, with entry-level positions commencing around $53,368 and experienced professionals earning up to $101,102 annually. These figures are projections based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. The local job market has seen shifts due to the structural changes caused by the Medicare cut, which heavily impacted skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient settings, leading to a reconfiguration of compensation models and job opportunities in the area.
About the Tumwater Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,368 | $25.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,495 | $33.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,976 | $37.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,067 | $40.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,102 | $48.60 |
Median Salary Position
9.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tumwater
In Tumwater, WA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,734 (2026 est.). At $76,976, the local median is 9.58% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tumwater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tumwater Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Tumwater median: $76,976/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tumwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $68,606 | +12.20% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +9.58% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Tumwater, WA earn a median of $76,976 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.58% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 12.20% above the Washington state average of $68,606.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tumwater has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tumwater, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,976 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,672 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,421
2025 BLS Actual
$74,930
2026 Current Est.
$76,976
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,421 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,495 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,783 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,218 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,695 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,976 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,077 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tumwater metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $64,421 (2019) to $74,930 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,077 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,656 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tumwater 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) | $53,368 – $69,495 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,495 – $76,976 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,976 – $85,067 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,067 – $101,102 |
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 Tumwater
As of the latest estimates, the job market in Tumwater showcases a modest workforce of just six physical therapist assistants. The cost of living index in Tumwater is 107.4, indicating that while salaries are competitive compared to many other regions, the higher cost of living can affect disposable income. The highest-paying employers tend to be outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers, primarily due to the increased productivity expectations and the pressures created by the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. This has led many PTAs to seek out roles that offer premium pay, such as weekends or PRN shifts, where they can maximize their take-home earnings. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for those entering the PTA field in Tumwater, particularly regarding the financial implications of clinic settings and patient load requirements.
More salary data for Tumwater, 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 $74,930 for physical therapist assistantsin the Tumwater 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 Tumwater 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