Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Edmonds, WA: $86,199 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Edmonds, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $86,199/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Edmonds's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $80,260 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the senior physical therapist assistant pay in Edmonds, WA, presents a compelling opportunity for experienced professionals. Top earners in the region can see impressive compensation, with salaries reaching $86,199 at the 90th percentile, while those in the 75th percentile earn a robust $76,743. This potential is significantly above the median annual salary of $66,557, reflecting the value that advanced experience brings to the field. Achieving these salary levels typically requires a strategic focus on specialization, as well as a commitment to continuous education and advanced certifications. Those who pursue roles in high-demand areas may find themselves well-positioned to secure these top physical therapist assistant salaries in Edmonds, especially in a market that expects a 2.73% annual growth rate.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edmonds
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Edmonds earn between $76,743 and $86,199 per year (2026 est.). This $40,810 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Edmonds median of $66,557 sits 5.25% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Edmonds | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,557 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,743 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $86,199 | $91,954 |
In Edmonds, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 29.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Edmonds
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $66,557 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Edmonds employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Edmonds command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,743–$86,199 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Edmonds 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 Edmonds 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 Washington 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 Edmonds
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedEdmonds ranks #32 of 50 Washington cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $86,199).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Edmonds ($86,199) is 8.5% below the Washington average P90 ($94,204).
2019 BLS Actual
$75,781
2025 BLS Actual
$83,908
2026 Current Est.
$86,199
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,781 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,309 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,153 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,896 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,271 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,201 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,908 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,199 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,552 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Edmonds saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $75,781 in 2019 to $83,908 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 $88,552 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds 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 Edmonds
While senior positions offer attractive salaries, understanding how to navigate the nuances of employer types and specializations is essential. For instance, physical therapist assistants in orthopedic and geriatric rehabilitation often command higher compensation than their counterparts in pediatric clinics or school therapy programs. Additionally, compensation structures can differ markedly between outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. Leadership roles such as clinic operations supervisor or regional clinical educator may also contribute to enhanced pay. Advanced credentials, including the Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE exam, and obtaining state licensure, are pivotal for increasing marketability. The impact of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement for PTA services remains critical, particularly in Medicare-reliant settings like skilled nursing facilities, where competitive pay structures may be compressed. Navigating these various factors effectively allows seasoned professionals to maximize their earning potential in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Edmonds, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Edmonds in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Edmonds?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Edmonds?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Edmonds?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Edmonds?
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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 $83,908 for physical therapist assistants in the Edmonds 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 Edmonds 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