Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Onalaska, WI: $65,775 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Onalaska, WI earns a median $65,775/year (≈ $31.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Onalaska's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $70,423 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Onalaska, WI, can expect a median annual salary of $65,775, which is slightly lower than the national median of $70,247. The local salary range demonstrates a breadth of opportunity, with figures spanning from $47,532 at the 10th percentile to $78,060 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are shaped by BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price factors, highlighting the productivity expectations that come with patient visits per day. The ability of physical therapist assistants to effectively manage patient care can significantly impact their earnings and access to higher-paying positions within the local healthcare infrastructure.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,532 | $22.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,668 | $29.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,775 | $31.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,880 | $34.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,060 | $37.53 |
Median Salary Position
6.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Onalaska
In Onalaska, WI, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,528 (2026 est.). At $65,775, the local median is 6.37% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Onalaska: You'd be above the median
How Onalaska Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Onalaska median: $65,775/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Onalaska Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $65,124 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | -6.37% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Onalaska, WI earn a median of $65,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.37% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.00% above the Wisconsin state average of $65,124.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Onalaska has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Onalaska, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $65,775 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,423 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,047
2025 BLS Actual
$64,027
2026 Current Est.
$65,775
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Onalaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,047 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,965 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,285 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,774 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,001 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,163 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,027 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,775 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,571 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Onalaska metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $55,047 (2019) to $64,027 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,571 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,524 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Onalaska 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) | $47,532 – $60,668 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,668 – $65,775 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,775 – $71,880 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,880 – $78,060 |
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 Onalaska
The job market in Onalaska features a tight-knit community of just four physical therapist assistants, suggesting a competitive environment for those entering the field. With a cost of living index of 93.4, professionals in this area may find their take-home pay stretches further compared to other regions. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab facilities tend to offer the most competitive salaries, largely due to the productivity and supervision requirements these settings entail. Furthermore, the 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursement for PTA services, effective in 2022, could influence pay rates, especially within skilled nursing facilities. To maximize earnings, aspiring PTAs should consider specializing and seeking opportunities in outpatient and hospital settings, where wages are typically more favorable.
More salary data for Onalaska, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Onalaska, WI in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Onalaska?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Onalaska?
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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 $64,027 for physical therapist assistantsin the Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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