Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Orem, UT: $84,220 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Orem, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $84,220/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Orem's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $85,851 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Orem, Utah, the compensation landscape for experienced physical therapist assistants reveals a promising trajectory for those who achieve seniority in their careers. By 2026, top talent in this field can anticipate a satisfying P90 salary of $84,220, which significantly elevates the overall earnings potential compared to the median annual salary of $62,331. This experience premium highlights the lucrative prospects available for seasoned professionals, illustrating the substantial gap between the median and the upper echelons of the pay scale. Those aiming for the highest salaries in Orem must not only accumulate experience but also consider obtaining advanced certifications, specializing in lucrative practice areas, or moving into leadership roles to fully unlock their earning potential.
About the Orem Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Orem
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Orem earn between $73,572 and $84,220 per year (2026 est.). This $39,022 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Orem median of $62,331 sits 11.27% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Orem | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $62,331 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,572 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $84,220 | $91,954 |
In Orem, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 35.12% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Orem
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $62,331 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Orem employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Orem command premium compensation, often reaching the $73,572–$84,220 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Orem 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 Orem 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 Utah 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 Orem
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOrem ranks #5 of 41 Utah cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $84,220).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Orem ($84,220) is 0.6% above the Utah average P90 ($83,716).
2019 BLS Actual
$74,041
2025 BLS Actual
$81,982
2026 Current Est.
$84,220
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Orem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,041 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,534 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,428 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,062 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,359 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,558 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,982 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,220 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,519 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Orem saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $74,041 in 2019 to $81,982 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 $86,519 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orem 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 Orem
At the senior level, the types of specializations pursued significantly influence compensation for physical therapist assistants in Orem. Fields such as orthopedic care, geriatric rehabilitation, and sports medicine typically offer higher pay, while work in skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies can vary based on employer type. For example, outpatient orthopedic clinics generally provide more lucrative opportunities compared to pediatric or school therapy settings. Advancing within the profession can lead to roles such as lead PTA or alia adjunct faculty positions in PTA programs. For practitioners aspiring to elevate their credentials further, pursuing the PTA-to-DPT bridge or gaining advanced proficiency credentials through APTA can lead to considerably enhanced salaries. Additionally, factors such as the location setting, productivity expectations, and the impacts of Medicare cuts on reimbursements significantly shape overall compensation and the viability of senior roles within Orem's healthcare system.
More salary data for Orem, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Orem in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Orem?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Orem?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Orem?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Orem?
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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 $81,982 for physical therapist assistants in the Orem 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 Orem 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