Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Augusta, ME: $83,230 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Augusta, ME — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $83,230/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Augusta's price premium (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $83,564 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
Professional physical therapist assistants with significant experience can anticipate competitive salaries in Augusta, ME, particularly among the top earners. In 2026, the highest-paying positions can yield an annual income of approximately $83,230, which reflects a strong earning potential for those who have developed their skills over the years. With a median salary of $65,975 for experienced roles, there's a noticeable gap between standard compensation and the earnings of top-tier professionals. Achieving this level of pay typically requires a combination of advanced clinical expertise, specialized training, and possibly pursuing leadership opportunities within various healthcare settings.
About the Augusta Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Augusta earn between $75,151 and $83,230 per year (2026 est.). This $32,848 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Augusta median of $65,975 sits 6.08% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Augusta | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,975 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,151 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $83,230 | $91,954 |
In Augusta, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 26.15% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Augusta
Advanced Certifications in Maine
ME physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $65,975 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Augusta employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Augusta command premium compensation, often reaching the $75,151–$83,230 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Augusta 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 Augusta 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 Maine 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 Augusta
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAugusta ranks #3 of 10 Maine cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $83,230).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Augusta ($83,230) is 4.58% above the Maine average P90 ($79,587).
2019 BLS Actual
$73,171
2025 BLS Actual
$81,018
2026 Current Est.
$83,230
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,171 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,646 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,564 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,144 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,403 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,027 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,018 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,230 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,502 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Augusta saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $73,171 in 2019 to $81,018 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 $85,502 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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 Augusta
Compensation for senior physical therapist assistants in Augusta varies based on both specialization and the type of employer. Specialties such as orthopedic therapy, sports medicine, and geriatric rehab tend to command higher pay, particularly in outpatient settings or skilled nursing facilities. Experienced professionals working in outpatient orthopedic clinics or hospital rehabilitation programs generally see more lucrative salaries compared to those in home health agencies or school therapy systems. Advancing into roles such as lead PTA, clinic operations supervisor, or even pursuing a PTA-to-DPT bridge can enhance earning potential significantly. The qualifications needed to reach the highest salary brackets include an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and passing the NPTAE exam. Additionally, leadership in settings affected by the recent Medicare 15% cut can shape pay differently, emphasizing why understanding the reimbursement landscape is vital for maximizing earnings in this field.
More salary data for Augusta, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Augusta in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Augusta?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Augusta?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Augusta?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Augusta?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Maine
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 $81,018 for physical therapist assistants in the Augusta 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 Augusta 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