Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $83,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Oak Ridge, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $83,009/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Oak Ridge's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $90,424 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
Salaries for experienced physical therapist assistants in Oak Ridge, TN reflect a lucrative potential for seasoned professionals, especially those who have excelled in specialized fields. In 2026, top earners in the profession can expect to earn around $83,009, with the 75th percentile marking $71,135. Such salaries indicate a significant experience premium for those familiar with advanced clinical settings compared to the median annual salary of $62,985. Achieving these top-tier figures often requires a proven track record in specialized practice areas, leading to advanced roles within outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities. With an anticipated growth rate of 2.73%, those skilled in maximizing their expertise can expect a dynamic financial landscape in Oak Ridge, making it an attractive locale for senior-level physical therapist assistants.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Ridge
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Oak Ridge earn between $71,135 and $83,009 per year (2026 est.). This $39,100 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Oak Ridge median of $62,985 sits 10.34% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Oak Ridge | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $62,985 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,135 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $83,009 | $91,954 |
In Oak Ridge, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 31.79% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Oak Ridge
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $62,985 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Oak Ridge employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Oak Ridge command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,135–$83,009 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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 Tennessee 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 Oak Ridge
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOak Ridge ranks #8 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $83,009).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Oak Ridge ($83,009) is 2.02% below the Tennessee average P90 ($84,718).
2019 BLS Actual
$72,976
2025 BLS Actual
$80,803
2026 Current Est.
$83,009
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,976 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,448 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,372 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,939 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,189 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,996 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,803 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,275 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Oak Ridge saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $72,976 in 2019 to $80,803 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 $85,275 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
A variety of factors influence senior physical therapist assistant pay in Oak Ridge, particularly specializations that command premium compensation. Professionals with expertise in orthopedic rehabilitation, geriatrics, and sports medicine often see higher salaries due to the demand for these skills in various settings, including outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities. Compensation tends to differ considerably depending on the employer type; for example, those employed in outpatient chains, pediatric clinics, or hospital inpatient rehab typically enjoy more lucrative pay than those in school therapy programs or home health agencies. Moreover, advanced educational pathways, such as pursuing a PTA-to-DPT bridge or earning advanced proficiency certifications through the APTA, can elevate earning potential. Other elements that can impact non-salary compensation include productivity expectations, weekend premiums, and the implications of the Medicare rate cuts on reimbursement rates. In a market shaped by such dynamics, strategically navigating these avenues can enhance earning potential for seasoned professionals in Oak Ridge.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Oak Ridge in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Oak Ridge?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Oak Ridge?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Oak Ridge?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Oak Ridge?
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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 $80,803 for physical therapist assistants in the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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