Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Whitewater, WI: $61,779 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Whitewater, WI earns a median $61,779/year (≈ $29.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Whitewater's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $66,145 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in Whitewater, Wisconsin, is projected to be $61,779, which is notably lower than the national median of $70,247, highlighting the local pay gap. Salaries in this field vary significantly, with the lower end at $44,493 and the upper range reaching $78,511. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional price disparities, reflecting the economic landscape in Whitewater. For those contemplating a career path, pursuing a PTA-to-DPT bridge program could enhance lifetime earnings, as therapists typically earn more over time. Understanding the local job market dynamics will be essential for aspiring PTAs, especially in this community with a limited number of positions available.
About the Whitewater Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,493 | $21.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,248 | $26.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,779 | $29.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,318 | $32.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,511 | $37.74 |
Median Salary Position
12.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Whitewater
In Whitewater, WI, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,018 (2026 est.). At $61,779, the local median is 12.05% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Whitewater: You'd be above the median
How Whitewater Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Whitewater median: $61,779/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Whitewater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $65,099 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -12.05% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Whitewater, WI earn a median of $61,779 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.05% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $65,099.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Whitewater 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.
Whitewater, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $61,779 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,145 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$51,703
2025 BLS Actual
$60,137
2026 Current Est.
$61,779
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Whitewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,703 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,565 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,805 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,203 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,355 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,945 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,137 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,779 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,465 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Whitewater metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $51,703 (2019) to $60,137 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,465 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,762 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Whitewater 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) | $44,493 – $54,248 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,248 – $61,779 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,779 – $67,318 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,318 – $78,511 |
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 Whitewater
With only four physical therapist assistants currently employed in Whitewater, the job market is relatively tight, but the local cost of living index at 93.4 offers some relief, allowing for better purchasing power despite lower wages compared to national rates. Among the various settings, outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer the most competitive pay, whereas skilled nursing facilities may see lower wages due to the Medicare 15% cut affecting reimbursement rates for PTA-provided services. Factors such as productivity expectations, the level of supervision required, and work environment also drive pay disparities in Whitewater. To maximize earning potential in this area, PTAs should consider roles with higher reimbursement rates or focus on specializations that can command more competitive salaries. Keeping abreast of Medicare changes and pursuing continued education can further enhance career advancement opportunities.
More salary data for Whitewater, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Whitewater, WI in 2026?
Is Whitewater, WI a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Whitewater?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Whitewater?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in Whitewater?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $60,137 for physical therapist assistantsin the Whitewater 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 Whitewater 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