Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Birmingham, AL
Physical Therapist Assistants in Birmingham, AL, earn an average annual salary of $59,940. This figure is notably below the national average of $67,190, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in the Magic City. While the cost of living aligns with the national average, the lower salary indicates a potentially less competitive market or different compensation structures.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,140.
- Outlook: Birmingham boasts a substantial local workforce of 770 Physical Therapist Assistants, indicating a stable presence of these professionals. With a Location Quotient of 2.12, the concentration of PTAs in Birmingham is more than double the national average, signaling a robust demand and a significant cluster of employment opportunities within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Birmingham, AL earns-10.8%below the national average.
$28.8
$1,153
$4,995
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Birmingham is not provided, the physical therapy field nationally has seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by an aging population and increased awareness of rehabilitation services. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants in Birmingham have also experienced a gradual upward trend, mirroring this broader industry expansion and demand.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
The salary progression for Physical Therapist Assistants in Birmingham, AL, typically sees an increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps reflect significant career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $35,960 | $17.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $44,955 | $21.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $60,920 | $29.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $74,925 | $36 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $79,140 | $38 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $59,940 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income in Birmingham, AL, effectively translates to purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not impose a significant disadvantage, offering a balanced financial landscape for professionals.
Job Market Context
770
Total Jobs
1.485
Per 1K Jobs
2.12
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 2.1x the national concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.12 for Physical Therapist Assistants in Birmingham, AL, strongly indicates a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that Birmingham is a key hub for these professionals, with employment opportunities being more abundant relative to the national average. Such a high concentration points to a strong local demand and a well-established professional community.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $64,400↑ 7% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $63,690↑ 6% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $60,090↑ 0% | 50 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $58,090↓ 3% | 50 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $56,960↓ 5% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Birmingham, AL is $59,940. This typically ranges from $35,960 for entry-level positions to $79,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 10.8% lower than the national median of $67,190.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $59,940 is significantly lower than the national average of $67,190. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but compensation is not as high as the national benchmark.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($64,400) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's PTA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Birmingham, AL, is $59,940, which is below the national average of $67,190.
What is the concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants in Birmingham?
Birmingham has a Location Quotient of 2.12, meaning the concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants is more than double the national average, indicating a significant presence in the local job market.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a PTA salary in Birmingham?
No, the cost of living in Birmingham is at the national average (100), so the $59,940 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Birmingham?
There are approximately 770 Physical Therapist Assistants employed in Birmingham, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 770 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 1.485 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Therapist Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Birmingham, AL