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Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Physical Therapist Assistants in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, earn an average annual salary of $58,230. This figure is notably below the national average of $67,190, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The specific economic conditions and healthcare sector needs within the Buffalo-Cheektowaga region play a crucial role in shaping the earning potential for these vital healthcare professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $58,230 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,260.
  • Outlook: The Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, job market for Physical Therapist Assistants shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.88, indicating a slightly lower presence compared to the national average. The total local workforce of 330 professionals, alongside 0.617 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggests a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. This indicates a consistent need for PTAs, but perhaps fewer new positions opening at a pace that would significantly drive up wages.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$58,230

The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY earns-13.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28

Weekly

$1,120

Monthly

$4,853

Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Salary progression for Physical Therapist Assistants in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career trajectory, with senior PTAs often earning well above the average, highlighting the financial rewards of accumulated expertise and dedication to the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$45,240$21.8
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$43,673$21
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$54,080$26
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$72,788$35
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$73,260$35.2

Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$58,230

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$58,230

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $58,230 in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, relocating to Buffalo-Cheektowaga as a Physical Therapist Assistant would not result in a decrease in your cost of living adjusted income, offering a stable financial standing relative to national benchmarks.

Job Market Context

330

Total Jobs

0.617

Per 1K Jobs

0.88

Location Quotient

Below Average

Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY has 0.88x the national average concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, market for Physical Therapist Assistants is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid base of employment, the field is not oversaturated, and opportunities may be moderately competitive. Employers might find it slightly more challenging to fill positions quickly compared to areas with a higher LQ, potentially offering some leverage to qualified candidates seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants

CitySalaryDist.
Rochester, NY Physical Therapist Assistants Salary$60,990↑ 5%65 mi
Erie, PA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary$55,270↓ 5%83 mi

Comparing salaries near Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Hiring Physical Therapist Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is $58,230. This typically ranges from $45,240 for entry-level positions to $73,260 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is 13.3% lower than the national median of $67,190.

Is Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Buffalo-Cheektowaga is below the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential.

Is Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Rochester, NY ($60,990) and Erie, PA.

How does the number of Physical Therapist Assistants in Buffalo compare to the national average?

Buffalo-Cheektowaga has a slightly lower concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants compared to the national average, as indicated by its Location Quotient of 0.88.

What is the total number of Physical Therapist Assistants employed in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

There are approximately 330 Physical Therapist Assistants employed within the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, metropolitan area.

Does experience impact salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Buffalo?

Yes, experience plays a significant role, with senior Physical Therapist Assistants earning substantially more than entry-level professionals due to increased skills and responsibilities.

How does the cost of living in Buffalo affect the salary of a Physical Therapist Assistant?

The cost of living in Buffalo is at the national average (100), meaning the $58,230 salary has average purchasing power, neither significantly enhancing nor diminishing its value compared to the national median.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY area with a job density of 0.617 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Therapist Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY