Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in South Burlington, VT: $76,253 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in South Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $76,253/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back South Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $73,674 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 South Burlington, the top-tier compensation for experienced physical therapist assistants (PTAs) is notably competitive, particularly for those reaching the 90th percentile, where salaries can soar to $76,253 in 2026. This figure represents a significant premium compared to the median salary of $60,273, illustrating the financial rewards available to those who invest in their professional development and experience. To access this high level of pay, PTAs often pursue specialized training in areas like orthopedics or geriatrics, gaining advanced proficiency credentials through organizations like APTA. Such investment in education and hands-on experience not only heightens a PTA's expertise but also increases their earning potential in a market that rewards the skills and knowledge that senior professionals bring to patient care.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in South Burlington earn between $68,790 and $76,253 per year (2026 est.). This $33,550 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Burlington median of $60,273 sits 14.2% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | South Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,273 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,790 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $76,253 | $91,954 |
In South Burlington, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 26.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in South Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $60,273 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in South Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $68,790–$76,253 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the South Burlington 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 South Burlington 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 Vermont 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 South Burlington
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSouth Burlington ranks #3 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $76,253).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in South Burlington ($76,253) is 1.86% above the Vermont average P90 ($74,859).
2019 BLS Actual
$67,037
2025 BLS Actual
$74,227
2026 Current Est.
$76,253
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,037 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,389 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,482 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,678 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,663 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,333 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,227 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,253 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,335 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in South Burlington saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $67,037 in 2019 to $74,227 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 $78,335 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington 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 South Burlington
Exploring the various avenues for senior-level physical therapist assistant pay in VT reveals that specializations can dramatically influence earnings. Senior PTAs specializing in orthopedic rehabilitation, geriatric care, or pediatric services typically command higher wages than their peers in general practice. Compensation also fluctuates significantly depending on the employer type; for instance, PTAs working in outpatient clinics often receive different pay structures compared to those in skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies. Leadership roles such as clinic operations supervisor or regional clinical educator are viable pathways for career advancement, often accompanied by increased pay and responsibility. Furthermore, with the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut to PTA services, particularly affecting those in SNFs and outpatient settings, PTAs must navigate these dynamics while capitalizing on their experience and potential certifications. Advanced credentials and the pursuit of a PTA-to-DPT bridge program can further enhance their standing and pay in South Burlington’s evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in South Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in South Burlington?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in South Burlington?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in South Burlington?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in South Burlington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Vermont
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 $74,227 for physical therapist assistants in the South Burlington 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 South Burlington 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