Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Sun Prairie, WI: $63,265 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Sun Prairie, WI earns a median $63,265/year (≈ $30.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Sun Prairie's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $67,736 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, the anticipated median annual salary for physical therapist assistants is projected to be $63,265 by 2026. This figure represents a slight decrease compared to the national median of $70,247, highlighting the local market's unique position. The salary range for PTAs in the area varies significantly, spanning from $43,353 at the 10th percentile to $82,024 for those at the 90th percentile, indicating that experience and specialization can substantially impact earnings. These projections are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences, revealing a competitive yet distinct employment environment for PTAs in Sun Prairie. As professionals consider their career paths, understanding the financial implications of transitioning to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) through bridging programs could lead to enhanced lifetime earnings in this growing field.
About the Sun Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,353 | $20.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,949 | $27.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,265 | $30.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,193 | $35.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,024 | $39.44 |
Median Salary Position
9.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sun Prairie
In Sun Prairie, WI, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,671 (2026 est.). At $63,265, the local median is 9.94% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Sun Prairie: You'd be above the median
How Sun Prairie Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Sun Prairie median: $63,265/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sun Prairie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $65,088 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -9.94% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Sun Prairie, WI earn a median of $63,265 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.94% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $65,088.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sun Prairie 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.
Sun Prairie, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $63,265 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,736 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,947
2025 BLS Actual
$61,584
2026 Current Est.
$63,265
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Sun Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,947 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,532 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,711 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,267 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,584 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,265 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,992 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sun Prairie metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $52,947 (2019) to $61,584 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,992 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,045 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sun Prairie 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) | $43,353 – $57,949 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,949 – $63,265 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,265 – $73,193 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,193 – $82,024 |
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 Sun Prairie
Currently, there are only nine physical therapist assistants employed in Sun Prairie, illustrating a niche job market for this profession. With a cost of living index of 93.4, the purchasing power of PTAs has a favorable outlook, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle within the community. Those seeking higher pay should focus on outpatient orthopedic clinics, as they often offer better compensation compared to other settings like skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies. The variance in pay largely stems from factors such as workplace setting, productivity expectations, and adherence to Medicare policies that have affected reimbursements significantly—most notably the 15% cut to PTA-provided services. To maximize earning potential in this market, PTAs should remain flexible in their job roles, show willingness to work in high-demand settings, and consider additional certifications that can enhance their skill set and marketability.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, WI:
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 $61,584 for physical therapist assistantsin the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie 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