Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Cabot, AR: $80,051 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Cabot, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $80,051/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Cabot's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $92,119 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior physical therapist assistants in Cabot, Arkansas can anticipate a compelling salary trajectory in 2026, with top earners reaching $80,051. This figure not only indicates the high earning potential at the 90th percentile (P90) but also highlights how advanced experience markedly enhances compensation. The disparity between the median annual salary of $62,545 and the upper echelons of compensation demonstrates the pronounced financial benefits that come with extensive experience, particularly for professionals who have dedicated over seven years to the field. Achieving such top-tier pay often requires not only years of practice but also specialization in areas such as orthopedics or geriatrics, which are known to command higher rates.
About the Cabot Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cabot
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Cabot earn between $71,538 and $80,051 per year (2026 est.). This $33,312 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cabot median of $62,545 sits 10.96% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Cabot | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $62,545 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,538 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $80,051 | $91,954 |
In Cabot, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 27.99% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Cabot
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $62,545 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cabot employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Cabot command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,538–$80,051 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cabot 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 Cabot 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 Cabot
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCabot ranks #17 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $80,051).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Cabot ($80,051) is 10.22% below the Arkansas average P90 ($89,167).
2019 BLS Actual
$70,376
2025 BLS Actual
$77,924
2026 Current Est.
$80,051
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Cabot (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,376 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,795 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,793 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,198 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,332 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,228 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,924 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,051 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,237 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Cabot saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $70,376 in 2019 to $77,924 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 $82,237 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cabot 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 Cabot
Compensation dynamics for experienced physical therapist assistants in Cabot vary significantly based on specialization and employer type. Specialties such as orthopedic rehabilitation and pediatric therapy tend to attract higher pay, reflecting the unique skill sets and competencies required. Additionally, occupational settings influence salary potential; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics often provide different compensation packages compared to skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies. Leadership roles, such as serving as a lead PTA or a clinic operations supervisor, can further enhance career prospects and income. Additionally, gaining advanced credentials may bolster earning capacity; those who complete the required education from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, pass the NPTAE, and acquire a state PTA license can position themselves competitively. With the recent 15% Medicare cut affecting reimbursements—particularly in settings like skilled nursing—strategically navigating these changes, along with proactive developments in one's career, becomes crucial for maximizing senior physical therapist assistant pay in Arkansas.
More salary data for Cabot, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Cabot in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Cabot?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Cabot?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Cabot?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Cabot?
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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 $77,924 for physical therapist assistants in the Cabot 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 Cabot 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