Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Lewiston, ID: $77,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Lewiston, ID — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $77,213/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Lewiston's price premium (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $81,021 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
In 2026, senior physical therapist assistants in Lewiston, Idaho, stand to earn competitive salaries, with top earners (P90) expected to make $77,213, while the P75 bracket shows a strong $69,017. These figures illustrate a considerable potential for advancement in pay for those with several years of experience in the field. Compared to the national top earning median of $70,247, Lewiston's top physical therapist assistant salary reveals a distinct regional dynamic, emphasizing the experience premium of approximately $16,842 when comparing the median salary of $60,371 to top earners. Achieving such high levels of compensation often hinges on specialized skills, advanced certifications, and strategic career trajectories that focus on high-demand areas within physical therapy.
About the Lewiston Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lewiston
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Lewiston earn between $69,017 and $77,213 per year (2026 est.). This $31,892 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lewiston median of $60,371 sits 14.06% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Lewiston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,371 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,017 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $77,213 | $91,954 |
In Lewiston, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 27.90% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Lewiston
Advanced Certifications in Idaho
ID physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $60,371 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lewiston employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Lewiston command premium compensation, often reaching the $69,017–$77,213 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lewiston 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 Lewiston 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 Idaho 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 Lewiston
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLewiston ranks #8 of 16 Idaho cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $77,213).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Lewiston ($77,213) is 3.03% below the Idaho average P90 ($79,628).
2019 BLS Actual
$65,900
2025 BLS Actual
$75,161
2026 Current Est.
$77,213
2019–2027 Growth
+20.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,318 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,252 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,161 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,321 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Lewiston saw their compensation grow 14.1% from $65,900 in 2019 to $75,161 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 $79,321 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lewiston 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 Lewiston
Specializations in areas like orthopedic rehabilitation, geriatric care, and sports medicine noticeably influence salary trends in Lewiston, often commanding higher wages compared to generalist roles. Senior-level compensation also varies significantly based on the type of healthcare provider. Outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities are known to provide higher pay than home health agencies or school therapy programs. Advanced leadership roles, such as lead PTA or clinic operations supervisor, offer promising paths for career advancement and increased salary. Additionally, pursuing advanced credentials—like those offered through the APTA—and ensuring compliance with the NPTAE and local licensure can substantially boost earning potential. The impact of the Medicare cut in 2022 continues to challenge revenues in SNF and outpatient settings, yet those who can navigate these changes effectively and demonstrate productivity may still see robust salaries exceeding local averages in the coming years.
More salary data for Lewiston, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Lewiston in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Lewiston?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Lewiston?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Lewiston?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Lewiston?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Idaho
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 $75,161 for physical therapist assistants in the Lewiston 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 Lewiston 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