Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Physical Therapist Assistants in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area earn an average annual salary of $61,840. This figure is notably below the national average of $67,190, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation. While the national average sets a benchmark, specific economic conditions and employer needs within Chattanooga shape the earning potential for this vital healthcare role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,380.
- Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA area supports a local workforce of 290 Physical Therapist Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.52, this indicates a concentration of these professionals that is 52% higher than the national average. This elevated quotient, coupled with 1.065 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for Physical Therapist Assistants within the region, signaling a healthy job market.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-8.0%below the national average.
$29.7
$1,189
$5,153
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chattanooga's Physical Therapist Assistant salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, increased demand for rehabilitative services, and inflation typically contribute to salary growth in most professional fields. Therefore, it's likely that Physical Therapist Assistants in Chattanooga have experienced incremental salary increases over the last four years, aligning with broader market adjustments.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Salary progression for Physical Therapist Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential as one gains expertise and a proven track record.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $49,010 | $23.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $46,380 | $22.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $62,850 | $30.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $77,300 | $37.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $76,380 | $36.7 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,840 for Physical Therapist Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation for residents. While the nominal salary is below the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay effectively covers expenses at a comparable rate to other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
1.065
Per 1K Jobs
1.52
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 1.5x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.52 for Physical Therapist Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA signifies a strong regional presence of this profession, exceeding the national average by a considerable margin. This higher concentration suggests that the demand for these services is robust within the area, possibly driven by an aging population, a high prevalence of certain health conditions, or a well-developed healthcare infrastructure. The market appears to be more abundant in opportunities relative to the national average.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $65,340↑ 6% | 23 mi |
| Rome, GA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $67,880↑ 10% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $65,980↑ 7% | 83 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $63,390↑ 3% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $61,840. This typically ranges from $49,010 for entry-level positions to $76,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 8.0% lower than the national median of $67,190.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $61,840 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. Furthermore, the high Location Quotient indicates strong local demand for the role.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($65,340) and Rome, GA.
How does Chattanooga's Physical Therapist Assistant salary compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in Chattanooga earn an average of $61,840 annually, which is approximately $5,350 less than the national average of $67,190.
What is the Cost of Living in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Chattanooga, TN-GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that everyday expenses are comparable to the rest of the United States.
Is there high demand for Physical Therapist Assistants in Chattanooga?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.52 suggests a higher concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants than the national average, indicating strong local demand for their services.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Chattanooga?
The total local workforce for Physical Therapist Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA is approximately 290 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 1.065 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA