Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Bentonville, AR: $81,266 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Bentonville, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $81,266/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Bentonville's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $93,517 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $64,221 in 2026, experienced physical therapist assistants in Bentonville, Arkansas, have the potential to earn significantly more as they advance in their careers. Top earners within this realm can expect compensation reaching as high as $81,266, positioning them competitively against national figures, where the top physical therapist assistant salary is estimated at around $70,247. The noteworthy gap of $16,045 between the median and the P90 highlights the experience premium available in this field. Achieving such lofty pay levels typically requires not only years of service but also specialization in high-demand areas, advanced training, and a knack for leadership roles.
About the Bentonville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bentonville
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Bentonville earn between $72,695 and $81,266 per year (2026 est.). This $38,973 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bentonville median of $64,221 sits 8.58% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Bentonville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,221 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,695 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $81,266 | $91,954 |
In Bentonville, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 26.54% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Bentonville
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $64,221 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bentonville employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Bentonville command premium compensation, often reaching the $72,695–$81,266 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bentonville 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 Bentonville 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 Arkansas 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 Bentonville
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBentonville ranks #14 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $81,266).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Bentonville ($81,266) is 8.86% below the Arkansas average P90 ($89,167).
2019 BLS Actual
$71,444
2025 BLS Actual
$79,106
2026 Current Est.
$81,266
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bentonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,444 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,884 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,852 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,323 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,505 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,212 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,106 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,266 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,484 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Bentonville saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $71,444 in 2019 to $79,106 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 $83,484 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bentonville 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 Bentonville
In Bentonville, numerous specializations can drive up an experienced physical therapist assistant's pay, particularly in orthopedic rehabilitation, geriatric care, and home health. Compensation varies significantly depending on the setting; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics often provide better salaries as compared to skilled nursing facilities where the 15% Medicare cut has impacted profitability. Advanced credentials such as a CAPTE-accredited associate's degree, successful passage of the NPTAE exam, and optional APTA proficiency certifications can enhance earning potential. For those in senior roles, career advancement opportunities abound, with paths leading to positions like clinic operations supervisor or PTA program faculty, as well as options for transitioning to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) through bridge programs. Understanding these dynamics is essential for those striving for the highest senior physical therapist assistant pay in AR.
More salary data for Bentonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Bentonville in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Bentonville?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Bentonville?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Bentonville?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Bentonville?
Related Pages
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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 $79,106 for physical therapist assistants in the Bentonville 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 Bentonville 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