Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Longview, TX: $98,426 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Longview, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $98,426/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Longview's price premium (BEA RPP 89.5, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $109,992 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source

In Longview, Texas, the potential for experienced physical therapist assistants to earn top-tier salaries is significant. With a projected median annual salary of $78,773 in 2026, senior practitioners have the opportunity to reach even higher earnings as top earners, with compensation at the 90th percentile (P90) reaching $98,426. This graduate in pay reflects a considerable gap between general median figures and seasoned professionals, indicating a premium for extensive experience and advanced skills. To achieve such high levels of income, PTAs in Longview often pursue specialized training or focus on high-demand areas such as geriatrics or orthopedic rehabilitation. Their expertise not only enhances care delivery but also positions them favorably within competitive employment markets that reward skill proficiency.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Longview
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Longview earn between $86,396 and $98,426 per year (2026 est.). This $72,024 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Longview median of $78,773 sits 12.14% above the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Longview | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $78,773 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,396 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $98,426 | $91,954 |
In Longview, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 24.95% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Longview
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $78,773 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Longview employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Longview command premium compensation, often reaching the $86,396–$98,426 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Longview 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 Longview 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 Longview
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLongview ranks #59 of 109 Texas cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $98,426).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Longview ($98,426) is 4.5% below the Texas average P90 ($103,063).
2019 BLS Actual
$112,710
2025 BLS Actual
$95,810
2026 Current Est.
$98,426
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,710 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,910 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,426 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,113 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Longview saw their compensation grow -15.0% from $112,710 in 2019 to $95,810 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 $101,113 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 Longview
In this growing field, a variety of specializations play a critical role in determining senior physical therapist assistant pay in TX. Professionals who focus on orthopedic, geriatric rehabilitation, or sports medicine often see their compensation levels rise above standard rates, as these niches command higher demand and value within healthcare settings. Additionally, the type of employer dramatically influences pay scales; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer better compensation compared to skilled nursing facilities, where the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut has strained budgets. Career advancement can take many forms, including transitioning into lead PTA roles or pursuing PTA-to-DPT bridge programs, which enhance both status and income potential. Those who hold advanced credentials, such as BLS certifications or APTA proficiency endorsements, may also find themselves at a pay advantage. Aside from direct salaries, factors such as setting, productivity expectations, and supervision responsibilities can significantly impact total compensation and job satisfaction in Longview’s therapy environment.
More salary data for Longview, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Longview in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Longview?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Longview?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Longview?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Longview?
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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 $95,810 for physical therapist assistants in the Longview 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