Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Kokomo, IN: $83,023 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Kokomo, IN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $83,023/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Kokomo's price premium (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $90,934 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kokomo, Indiana, experienced physical therapist assistants can anticipate a robust earning potential with a median annual salary of $62,761 projected for 2026. Those in the top 10% of earners can achieve impressive salaries reaching as high as $83,023, reflecting a significant experience premium that separates them from their less experienced peers. This $20,262 gap between the median and top-tier pay highlights the financial rewards for physical therapist assistants who diligently develop their skills and specialize in high-demand areas. To reach such compensation, professionals must cultivate expertise in specific fields and gain extensive clinical experience, proving their value within the local healthcare market.
About the Kokomo Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kokomo
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Kokomo earn between $70,814 and $83,023 per year (2026 est.). This $36,975 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kokomo median of $62,761 sits 10.66% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Kokomo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $62,761 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,814 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $83,023 | $91,954 |
In Kokomo, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 32.28% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Kokomo
Advanced Certifications in Indiana
IN physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $62,761 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kokomo employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Kokomo command premium compensation, often reaching the $70,814–$83,023 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kokomo 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 Kokomo 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 Kokomo
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKokomo ranks #8 of 43 Indiana cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $83,023).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Kokomo ($83,023) is 2.03% above the Indiana average P90 ($81,370).
2019 BLS Actual
$70,520
2025 BLS Actual
$80,817
2026 Current Est.
$83,023
2019–2027 Growth
+20.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kokomo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,900 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,140 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,953 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,203 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,817 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,023 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,290 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Kokomo saw their compensation grow 14.6% from $70,520 in 2019 to $80,817 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 $85,290 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kokomo 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 Kokomo
Compensation for senior physical therapist assistants in Kokomo varies based on specialization and employer type. Specialties such as orthopedic therapy, geriatric rehabilitation, pediatric care, and sports medicine often command higher salaries, with roles in home health also presenting lucrative opportunities. The type of employer influences pay scales significantly; outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities tend to provide different compensation structures, with hospital inpatient rehabilitation often offering increased benefits to meet the demands of a hospital setting. Senior professionals can explore advancement opportunities like lead PTA roles or even transition into faculty positions, enhancing their earning potential while advancing their careers. Obtaining advanced credentials, such as proficiency through the APTA, can further bolster earning potential, especially in a competitive market like Indiana. Non-salary compensation factors, including weekend shifts and production bonuses, can also sway total earnings, particularly in response to the 15% Medicare cuts affecting PTA services and funding streams heavily reliant on Medicare reimbursements.
More salary data for Kokomo, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Kokomo in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Kokomo?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Kokomo?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Kokomo?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Kokomo?
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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 $80,817 for physical therapist assistants in the Kokomo 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 Kokomo 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