Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in North Kingstown, RI: $86,085 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in North Kingstown, RI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $86,085/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back North Kingstown's price premium (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $85,657 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced physical therapist assistants in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, have the potential to earn substantial salaries, with top earners (P90) reaching $86,085 and those at the P75 level making $77,248. This strong earning potential significantly reflects the expertise gained through years of dedicated work in the field, showcasing an experience premium that places the median annual salary at $67,710. When viewed against the backdrop of the national median salary of $70,247, top physical therapist assistant salaries in North Kingstown still demonstrate competitive strength, especially for those who excel in specialized areas. Attaining the highest earnings requires not only extensive experience but also advanced credentials and a focus on high-demand specializations that appeal to a variety of employer settings.
About the North Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Kingstown
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in North Kingstown earn between $77,248 and $86,085 per year (2026 est.). This $35,620 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The North Kingstown median of $67,710 sits 3.61% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | North Kingstown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $67,710 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,248 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $86,085 | $91,954 |
In North Kingstown, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 27.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in North Kingstown
Advanced Certifications in Rhode Island
RI physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $67,710 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by North Kingstown employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in North Kingstown command premium compensation, often reaching the $77,248–$86,085 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the North Kingstown 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 North Kingstown 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 Rhode Island 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 North Kingstown
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedNorth Kingstown ranks #11 of 17 Rhode Island cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $86,085).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in North Kingstown ($86,085) is 4.33% above the Rhode Island average P90 ($82,514).
2019 BLS Actual
$75,680
2025 BLS Actual
$83,797
2026 Current Est.
$86,085
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in North Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,206 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,053 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,153 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,797 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,085 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,435 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in North Kingstown saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $75,680 in 2019 to $83,797 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 $88,435 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Kingstown 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 North Kingstown
The landscape of senior physical therapist assistant pay in RI is influenced by the specific practice areas and types of employers. Specializations in orthopedics, geriatrics, and sports medicine can command higher compensation compared to general practice, reflecting the demand for precise skills in North Kingstown. Different employer types, such as outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities, offer varied compensation structures, where settings heavily reliant on Medicare have felt the impact of the 15% reimbursement cut for PTA services. For those aspiring to increase their earning potential, roles in senior leadership, such as clinic operations supervisor or PTA program faculty, are worth pursuing. Furthermore, those who engage in the PTA-to-DPT bridge program further enhance their opportunities. Advanced proficiency credentials from the APTA contribute to distinguishing candidates for top positions, alongside non-monetary compensation factors that can ultimately make a significant impact on overall job satisfaction and career progression in the field.
More salary data for North Kingstown, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in North Kingstown in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in North Kingstown?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in North Kingstown?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in North Kingstown?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in North Kingstown?
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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 $83,797 for physical therapist assistants in the North Kingstown 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 North Kingstown 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