Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Cleburne, TX: $99,016 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Cleburne, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $99,016/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Cleburne's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $103,142 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior physical therapist assistants in Cleburne, Texas, have the potential to earn lucrative salaries in 2026, with top earners reaching as high as $99,016 annually. This figure illustrates a significant opportunity for experienced PTAs, especially when compared to the national figure of $70,247, making the top physical therapist assistant salary in Cleburne stand out by over 10%. Reaching this tier requires not only extensive clinical expertise but also the ability to navigate advanced career paths that include leadership roles or specialized practices. The difference between the median annual salary of $77,409 and the highest earners underscores the value of additional experience and specialized training, encouraging many in the field to pursue further education and certifications for enhanced career prospects.
About the Cleburne Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleburne
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Cleburne earn between $88,678 and $99,016 per year (2026 est.). This $43,100 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cleburne median of $77,409 sits 10.2% above the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Cleburne | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $77,409 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,678 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $99,016 | $91,954 |
In Cleburne, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 27.91% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Cleburne
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $77,409 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cleburne employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Cleburne command premium compensation, often reaching the $88,678–$99,016 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cleburne 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 Cleburne 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 Texas 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 Cleburne
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCleburne ranks #55 of 109 Texas cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $99,016).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Cleburne ($99,016) is 3.93% below the Texas average P90 ($103,063).
2019 BLS Actual
$87,049
2025 BLS Actual
$96,385
2026 Current Est.
$99,016
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Cleburne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,049 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,804 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,328 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,776 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,653 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,801 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,385 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,016 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,719 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Cleburne saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $87,049 in 2019 to $96,385 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 $101,719 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleburne 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 Cleburne
Compensation dynamics for senior physical therapist assistants in Cleburne vary widely depending on the clinical setting and area of specialization. Specializations in orthopedic and geriatric care, as well as those in sports medicine or home health, often command enhanced pay rates, reflecting the tailored skills required in these areas. For instance, positions in outpatient orthopedic chains and skilled nursing facilities typically present different compensation structures than those found in pediatric clinics or school therapy programs. Additionally, career advancement could lead to roles such as clinic operations supervisor or regional clinical educator, positions that not only provide higher salaries but also allow PTAs to influence practice standards. Advanced credentials through the APTA can further elevate a PTA's marketability. Though the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement for PTA services may have impacted pay in settings heavily reliant on Medicare, experienced professionals strategically positioned in the right environments can still secure competitive salaries.
More salary data for Cleburne, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Cleburne in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Cleburne?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Cleburne?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Cleburne?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Cleburne?
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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 $96,385 for physical therapist assistants in the Cleburne 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 Cleburne 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