Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Kenmore, WA: $80,755 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Kenmore, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $80,755/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Kenmore's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $75,191 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior physical therapist assistants in Kenmore, Washington, can expect to see substantial earnings, with top-tier pay reaching up to $80,755 annually. This figure represents the 90th percentile, indicating the earning potential for those at the peak of their careers. Comparatively, this P90 salary is slightly lower than the national benchmark of $70,247, reflecting a consistent regional variance. However, the difference between the median salary of $64,436 and the earnings at the higher end demonstrates the significant financial reward for those who achieve substantial experience and specialization in the field. Achieving top physical therapist assistant salary in Kenmore often requires dedicated professional growth, continuous education, and possibly pursuing advanced certifications that can set experienced PTAs apart in a competitive market.
About the Kenmore Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kenmore
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Kenmore earn between $73,068 and $80,755 per year (2026 est.). This $32,031 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kenmore median of $64,436 sits 8.27% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Kenmore | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,436 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,068 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $80,755 | $91,954 |
In Kenmore, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 25.33% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Kenmore
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $64,436 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kenmore employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Kenmore command premium compensation, often reaching the $73,068–$80,755 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kenmore 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 Kenmore 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 Kenmore
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKenmore ranks #45 of 50 Washington cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $80,755).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Kenmore ($80,755) is 14.28% below the Washington average P90 ($94,204).
2019 BLS Actual
$70,995
2025 BLS Actual
$78,609
2026 Current Est.
$80,755
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kenmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,995 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,426 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,406 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,012 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,939 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,609 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,755 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,960 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Kenmore saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $70,995 in 2019 to $78,609 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 $82,960 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenmore 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 Kenmore
For Kenmore's senior physical therapist assistants, specialization plays a critical role in commanding premium pay. Areas such as orthopedic rehabilitation, geriatric care, pediatric therapy, sports medicine, and home health are particularly lucrative. Compensation varies markedly by employer type; outpatient clinics may offer different pay scales compared to skilled nursing facilities or hospital settings. Advanced credentials, such as an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, successful completion of the NPTAE exam, and state licensure, are essential for entry, while options for enhanced proficiency through APTA could further elevate earning potential. Career advancement opportunities abound, allowing for roles such as clinic operations supervisor or even transitioning to a PTA-to-DPT bridge program. Additionally, factors such as work setting and productivity requirements heavily influence pay, especially in light of the CMS-mandated 15% cut in reimbursement for PTA services, making understanding these dynamics vital for maximizing compensation in this evolving field.
More salary data for Kenmore, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Kenmore in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Kenmore?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Kenmore?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Kenmore?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Kenmore?
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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 $78,609 for physical therapist assistants in the Kenmore 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 Kenmore 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