Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Wheeling, WV: $67,062 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Wheeling, WV earns a median $67,062/year (≈ $32.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Wheeling's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.3), that paycheck buys what $75,928 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.9% above the West Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Wheeling, West Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $67,062, sitting below the national median of $70,247. The salary range for this position varies significantly, with the lowest earners making about $49,660 and the top earners receiving up to $82,318. This data, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflects the productivity expectations in the local job market, particularly in outpatient settings where patient volume can directly impact earnings. Understanding these figures is essential for prospective physical therapist assistants navigating their career decisions in Wheeling as they aim for effective compensation strategies.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,660 | $23.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,943 | $28.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,062 | $32.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,469 | $35.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,318 | $39.58 |
Median Salary Position
4.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheeling
In Wheeling, WV, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,658 (2026 est.). At $67,062, the local median is 4.53% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Wheeling: You'd be above the median
How Wheeling Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Wheeling median: $67,062/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheeling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Average | $61,581 | +8.90% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | -4.53% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Wheeling, WV earn a median of $67,062 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.53% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 8.90% above the West Virginia state average of $61,581.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheeling has a cost of living 11.68% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheeling, WV has a cost-of-living index of 88.323 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $67,062 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,928 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.22% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,340
2025 BLS Actual
$65,280
2026 Current Est.
$67,062
2019–2027 Growth
+20.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,370 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,770 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,062 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,893 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheeling metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 13.8% from $57,340 (2019) to $65,280 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,893 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,553 (20.15%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheeling 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) | $49,660 – $59,943 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,943 – $67,062 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,062 – $74,469 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,469 – $82,318 |
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 Wheeling
The local job market has about 100 physical therapist assistants serving the Wheeling area, providing a stable employment base. The cost of living index in Wheeling stands at 88.323, making it more affordable than many national locations. Outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the highest pay, particularly those that are part of larger chains, while skilled nursing facilities may struggle with compensation due to the recent 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements impacting pay across various settings. The variation between low and high salaries can be traced back to factors such as the work setting, productivity demands, and premium pay for weekend or PRN shifts. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Wheeling, developing a network, obtaining specialized certifications, and staying updated on evolving Medicare policies can position them for better opportunities and enhanced financial stability.
More salary data for Wheeling, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Wheeling, WV in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Wheeling?
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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 $65,280 for physical therapist assistantsin the Wheeling 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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