Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Elyria, OH: $81,331 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Elyria, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $81,331/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Elyria's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,670 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Elyria presents a compelling opportunity for experienced physical therapist assistants, particularly for those striving to reach the upper echelons of the profession. With a median annual salary projected at $63,163 in 2026, top earners can expect to see their compensation soar to around $81,331. This highlights a significant disparity between the median pay and the potential for highest salaries, emphasizing that gaining extensive experience and specialization can lead to lucrative financial rewards. To position oneself at the peak of this salary range, advanced credentials, clinical expertise in high-demand areas, and a solid professional network are essential components for success in Elyria's competitive healthcare market.
About the Elyria Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elyria
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Elyria earn between $72,146 and $81,331 per year (2026 est.). This $36,897 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Elyria median of $63,163 sits 10.08% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Elyria | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,163 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,146 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $81,331 | $91,954 |
In Elyria, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 28.76% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Elyria
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $63,163 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Elyria employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Elyria command premium compensation, often reaching the $72,146–$81,331 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Elyria 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 Elyria 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 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 Elyria
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedElyria ranks #27 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $81,331).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Elyria ($81,331) is 7.33% below the Ohio average P90 ($87,765).
2019 BLS Actual
$71,502
2025 BLS Actual
$79,170
2026 Current Est.
$81,331
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Elyria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,502 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,943 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,909 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,384 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,569 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,826 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,331 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,552 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Elyria saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $71,502 in 2019 to $79,170 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 $83,552 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elyria 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 Elyria
In Elyria, specific specializations can significantly influence senior physical therapist assistant pay, making it crucial for professionals to consider their practice focus carefully. Advanced experience in areas such as orthopedic care, geriatric rehabilitation, and sports medicine can yield compensation that exceeds typical ranges seen in outpatient settings. Senior-level roles differ across employer types; private outpatient clinics may offer superior pay compared to skilled nursing facilities, where the impact of the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements for PTA services can be profound. Opportunities for advancement abound, such as transitioning to clinical supervisor roles, engaging in PTA education, or pursuing a PTA-to-DPT bridge program, which not only elevate one's career but can also enhance earning potential. Additionally, obtaining advanced proficiency credentials through APTA can solidify a competitive edge in this market while understanding compensation drivers, including productivity expectations and non-salary factors, is vital for optimizing one's earnings in the evolving landscape of healthcare services in Ohio.
More salary data for Elyria, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Elyria in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Elyria?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Elyria?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Elyria?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Elyria?
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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 $79,170 for physical therapist assistants in the Elyria 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 Elyria 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