Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Goodyear, AZ: $89,667 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Goodyear, AZ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $89,667/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Goodyear's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $91,032 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Goodyear, Arizona, the potential for top earners in the physical therapist assistant (PTA) field is significant, particularly for professionals with over seven years of experience. The projected 2026 top-tier salary of $89,667 places senior physical therapist assistants in Goodyear in a competitive position, especially when compared to the national figure. The disparity between the median annual salary of $66,496 and that of the highest earners highlights the premium that comes with advanced experience and specialized skills. To reach such exceptional pay levels, PTAs often undertake leadership roles or specialize in high-demand areas such as orthopedic or geriatric rehabilitation. Progressing within the industry may also involve pursuing further education or credentials, positioning experienced practitioners for lucrative opportunities.
About the Goodyear Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Goodyear
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Goodyear earn between $75,846 and $89,667 per year (2026 est.). This $45,246 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Goodyear median of $66,496 sits 5.34% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Goodyear | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,496 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,846 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $89,667 | $91,954 |
In Goodyear, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 34.85% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Goodyear
Advanced Certifications in Arizona
AZ physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $66,496 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Goodyear employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Goodyear command premium compensation, often reaching the $75,846–$89,667 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Goodyear metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Goodyear with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in Arizona who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Goodyear
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGoodyear ranks #7 of 33 Arizona cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $89,667).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Goodyear ($89,667) is 7.66% above the Arizona average P90 ($83,290).
2019 BLS Actual
$78,830
2025 BLS Actual
$87,284
2026 Current Est.
$89,667
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Goodyear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,419 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,176 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,621 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,193 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,284 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,667 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,115 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Goodyear saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $78,830 in 2019 to $87,284 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $92,115 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goodyear 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Goodyear
Compensation models for senior physical therapist assistants in Goodyear vary widely based on the type of employer. For instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly chains, tend to offer competitive pay above the median, often rewarding specialized skills in sports medicine or pediatrics. In contrast, settings like skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) may struggle to match that compensation due to the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, which has significantly affected PTA pay in these environments. Advanced credentials also play a crucial role; a PTA license from a CAPTE-accredited program, combined with certification from national examinations, can enhance earning potential. Additionally, senior-level roles, such as lead PTA or clinical educator positions, provide attractive paths for advancement, allowing for both increased responsibilities and salaries. Non-monetary factors, including work settings, productivity expectations, and supervision duties, also influence overall compensation.
More salary data for Goodyear, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Goodyear in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Goodyear?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Goodyear?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Goodyear?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Goodyear?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $87,284 for physical therapist assistants in the Goodyear metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Goodyear 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