Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Franklin, IN: $78,789 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Franklin, IN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $78,789/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Franklin's price premium (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $86,297 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, Indiana, experienced physical therapist assistants can expect competitive compensation reflective of their advanced skills and expertise. The projected median annual salary for 2026 stands at $62,645, but top earners in this field can reach up to $78,789, indicating a substantial experience premium for those who excel in their roles. This top-tier pay is significantly influenced by factors such as specialization and employer type, creating a noticeable gap between the median and the highest salaries. Achieving this level of compensation often requires years of dedicated practice, continuous education, and a focus on specialized areas within physical therapy, positioning senior PTAs as vital contributors in various healthcare settings throughout Franklin.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Franklin earn between $70,995 and $78,789 per year (2026 est.). This $34,646 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Franklin median of $62,645 sits 10.82% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Franklin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $62,645 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,995 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $78,789 | $91,954 |
In Franklin, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 25.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Franklin
Advanced Certifications in Indiana
IN physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $62,645 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Franklin employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Franklin command premium compensation, often reaching the $70,995–$78,789 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Indiana 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 Franklin
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFranklin ranks #24 of 43 Indiana cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $78,789).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Franklin ($78,789) is 3.17% below the Indiana average P90 ($81,370).
2019 BLS Actual
$69,266
2025 BLS Actual
$76,695
2026 Current Est.
$78,789
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,266 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,663 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,692 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,028 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,112 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,536 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,695 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,789 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,940 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Franklin saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $69,266 in 2019 to $76,695 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 $80,940 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
A range of specialized skills can command higher pay for senior physical therapist assistants in Franklin, particularly in fields like orthopedics, geriatrics, sports medicine, and home health. Employers vary, with outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offering different compensation structures compared to skilled nursing facilities or hospital inpatient rehab programs. Advancement opportunities abound, with seasoned PTAs able to move into roles such as lead PTA, clinic operations supervisor, or even transitioning into teaching positions in PTA programs. Attaining advanced credentials can further optimize salary potential, especially when complemented by an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE, and holding a state PTA license. However, factors influencing non-salary compensation also come into play; settings that are more competitive and require higher productivity expectations often provide better overall packages. The ongoing impact of the Medicare 15% reimbursement cut could also shape earning potential, particularly for PTAs working in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient environments, highlighting the complexities of compensation in the evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Franklin, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Franklin in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Franklin?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Franklin?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Franklin?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Franklin?
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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 $76,695 for physical therapist assistants in the Franklin 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 Franklin 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