Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Akron, OH: $82,883 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Akron, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,883/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Akron's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $88,768 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Compensation for senior physical therapist assistants in Akron, Ohio, demonstrates significant potential for those with the experience and specialized skill set to command it. With a 2026 median annual salary of $64,771, top earners can expect to reach as much as $82,883, reflecting the experience premium available in this market. Experienced professionals can close the sizable gap between the median and top-tier pay by pursuing advanced credentials and specializations. As Akron’s numbers reveal a strong P90 earning potential, skilled PTAs who specialize further can capitalize on opportunities that lead to advancement and increased earnings, allowing them to stand out in a competitive field.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Akron
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Akron earn between $78,897 and $82,883 per year (2026 est.). This $31,158 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Akron median of $64,771 sits 7.8% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Akron | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,771 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,897 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,883 | $91,954 |
In Akron, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 27.96% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Akron
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $64,771 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Akron employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Akron command premium compensation, often reaching the $78,897–$82,883 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Akron 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 Akron with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in Ohio 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 Akron
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAkron ranks #20 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $82,883).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Akron ($82,883) is 5.56% below the Ohio average P90 ($87,765).
2019 BLS Actual
$73,430
2025 BLS Actual
$80,680
2026 Current Est.
$82,883
2019–2027 Growth
+16.0%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,450 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,770 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,883 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,145 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Akron saw their compensation grow 9.9% from $73,430 in 2019 to $80,680 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 $85,145 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron 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 Akron
In Akron, specialization plays a crucial role in determining senior physical therapist assistant pay. Key areas such as orthopedic rehabilitation, pediatric therapy, and geriatric care in skilled nursing facilities tend to offer higher compensation than other settings. Salaries can vary significantly across employer types; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics generally provide more competitive pay compared to home health agencies or school therapy programs. Moreover, pursuing leadership roles like clinic operations supervisor or transitioning to PTA program faculty can enhance earning potential. Advanced credentials, including an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and a state PTA license, further support career advancement. However, it's essential to consider factors such as productivity expectations and the impact of the Medicare 15% cut, particularly in rural settings like Akron, where a strategic approach to career development can make a substantial difference in overall compensation.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Akron in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Akron?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Akron?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Akron?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Akron?
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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 $80,680 for physical therapist assistants in the Akron 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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