Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Racine, WI: $75,753 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Racine, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $75,753/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Racine's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $78,941 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior physical therapist assistants in Racine, Wisconsin, are looking at a substantial earning potential in 2026, with a top physical therapist assistant salary reaching $75,753. This figure illustrates a notable disparity compared to the median salary of $60,559. Such a gap highlights the premium that Racine employers place on experience, specialized skills, and advanced qualifications. Achieving this top-tier pay often relies on gaining significant on-the-job experience, pursuing advanced credentials, and potentially transitioning into leadership roles or specialized practice areas that appeal to a broad patient demographic.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Racine
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Racine earn between $66,846 and $75,753 per year (2026 est.). This $26,987 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Racine median of $60,559 sits 13.79% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Racine | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,559 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,846 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $75,753 | $91,954 |
In Racine, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 25.09% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Racine
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $60,559 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Racine employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Racine command premium compensation, often reaching the $66,846–$75,753 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Racine 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 Racine 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 Racine
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRacine ranks #40 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $75,753).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Racine ($75,753) is 4.91% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($79,664).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,680
2025 BLS Actual
$73,740
2026 Current Est.
$75,753
2019–2027 Growth
+22.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Racine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,300 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,753 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,821 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Racine saw their compensation grow 15.8% from $63,680 in 2019 to $73,740 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 $77,821 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Racine 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 Racine
Compensation for seasoned physical therapist assistants varies significantly based on the setting and specialization, reflecting the evolving demands of healthcare in Racine. For instance, those with expertise in orthopedic care, geriatric rehabilitation, or pediatric therapy often command higher wages, especially in outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities, where patient need is acute. Additionally, senior roles such as lead PTA or clinic operations supervisor tend to offer increased salaries and benefits. Furthering one's education through a PTA-to-DPT bridge program or obtaining advanced proficiency certifications can also enhance income prospects. However, the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut has affected pay dynamics, especially for PTAs in settings heavily reliant on Medicare, compelling many to seek opportunities in environments that offer greater financial stability and growth potential.
More salary data for Racine, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Racine in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Racine?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Racine?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Racine?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Racine?
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 $73,740 for physical therapist assistants in the Racine 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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