Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Sun Prairie, WI: $82,024 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Sun Prairie, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,024/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Sun Prairie's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $87,820 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
For those in Sun Prairie, the potential for experienced physical therapist assistants to earn top-tier salaries is significant, particularly for seasoned professionals with over seven years of experience. The projected 2026 salary range indicates that the 90th percentile earners can take home as much as $82,024 annually, while those in the 75th percentile can expect about $73,193. This stark contrast highlights an experience premium in Sun Prairie compared to the median annual salary of $63,265. To reach such high compensation levels, professionals must cultivate a strong skill set through advanced training, possibly specializing in areas like orthopedics or geriatric care, while also considering strategic career moves in various healthcare settings.
About the Sun Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sun Prairie
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Sun Prairie earn between $73,193 and $82,024 per year (2026 est.). This $38,671 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Sun Prairie median of $63,265 sits 9.94% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Sun Prairie | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,265 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,193 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,024 | $91,954 |
In Sun Prairie, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 29.65% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Sun Prairie
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $63,265 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Sun Prairie employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Sun Prairie command premium compensation, often reaching the $73,193–$82,024 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSun Prairie ranks #8 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $82,024).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Sun Prairie ($82,024) is 2.96% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($79,664).
2019 BLS Actual
$72,110
2025 BLS Actual
$79,844
2026 Current Est.
$82,024
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Sun Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,564 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,513 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,026 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,237 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,514 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,844 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,024 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,263 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Sun Prairie saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $72,110 in 2019 to $79,844 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 $84,263 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
Focusing on specialized areas can significantly influence senior physical therapist assistant pay in WI. In Sun Prairie, professionals engaged in orthopedics, sports medicine, and home health often see compensation that exceeds the local averages. Different employer types offer varying rewards; for example, outpatient orthopedic clinics may provide better pay than skilled nursing facilities, which have felt the impact of the recent 15% Medicare cut to PTA services. Senior PTAs also have viable pathways for advancement, such as becoming a lead PTA or transitioning into a PTA-to-DPT bridge program. Additionally, obtaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further enhance salary prospects. Other compensation factors, like setting, productivity expectations, and weekend premiums, play a critical role in total income, emphasizing the importance of strategic career choices for those looking to maximize earnings in this evolving field.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Sun Prairie in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Sun Prairie?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Sun Prairie?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Sun Prairie?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Sun Prairie?
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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 $79,844 for physical therapist assistants in the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie 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