Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $78,984 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Manitowoc, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $78,984/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Manitowoc's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $84,565 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 Manitowoc, Wisconsin, senior physical therapist assistants have the potential to earn a top-tier pay, with projections indicating a salary of $78,984 for the 90th percentile in 2026. This figure showcases a significant gap compared to the median annual salary of $62,270, highlighting the rewards that come with extensive experience and specialized skills. Achieving such a high salary level often requires not only a solid foundation of clinical expertise but also engagement in advanced credentials and specializations. Those aiming for the highest earnings can benefit from focusing on niches that are in demand, making them invaluable in a competitive healthcare landscape.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manitowoc
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Manitowoc earn between $72,130 and $78,984 per year (2026 est.). This $32,796 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Manitowoc median of $62,270 sits 11.36% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Manitowoc | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $62,270 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,130 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $78,984 | $91,954 |
In Manitowoc, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 26.84% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Manitowoc
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $62,270 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Manitowoc employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Manitowoc command premium compensation, often reaching the $72,130–$78,984 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc 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 Wisconsin 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 Manitowoc
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedManitowoc ranks #20 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $78,984).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Manitowoc ($78,984) is 0.85% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($79,664).
2019 BLS Actual
$69,438
2025 BLS Actual
$76,885
2026 Current Est.
$78,984
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,438 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,838 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,862 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,209 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,301 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,787 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,885 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,984 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,140 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Manitowoc saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $69,438 in 2019 to $76,885 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 $81,140 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
Compensation strategies for experienced physical therapist assistants in Manitowoc vary depending on professional specializations and employer types. Specialties such as orthopedic, geriatric, pediatric, and sports medicine rehabilitation are particularly lucrative, often resulting in higher compensation. Senior PTAs working in outpatient orthopedic clinics or skilled nursing facilities typically command different pay scales due to the varying needs and funding structures of these settings. Moreover, pursuing advancement opportunities, such as becoming a lead PTA or transitioning into educational roles, can also enhance earnings. Advanced credentials obtained through APTA can further increase marketability and salary potential. It's crucial to consider that won in senior roles can be affected by factors like productivity expectations and operational shifts in response to the Medicare cuts that the industry has faced, adding an extra layer of complexity to the financial landscape for PTAs in Wisconsin.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Manitowoc in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Manitowoc?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Manitowoc?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Manitowoc?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Manitowoc?
Related Pages
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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 $76,885 for physical therapist assistants in the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc 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