Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Pennsylvania
Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $61,880, which is slightly below the national average of $67,190. This difference in compensation is often influenced by a variety of local economic factors, including the specific demand for these services within the state and the overall cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,460.
- Outlook: Pennsylvania's Physical Therapist Assistant job market is moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 4,410 professionals. The location quotient of 1.05 suggests a presence that is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these essential healthcare roles within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania earns-7.9%below the national average.
$29.8
$1,190
$5,157
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the healthcare sector. This growth is typically driven by increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and a rising demand for rehabilitative services.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
Salary progression for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $47,100 | $22.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $46,410 | $22.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $61,610 | $29.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $77,350 | $37.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $77,460 | $37.2 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,505
Adjusted for COL (99)
The average annual salary of $61,880 in Pennsylvania aligns closely with the state's cost of living index of 99, which is just below the national average. This suggests that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power that is comparable to the national average, making it a relatively stable financial environment for Physical Therapist Assistants.
Job Market Context
4,410
Total Jobs
0.733
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, Pennsylvania has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.05, Pennsylvania's market for Physical Therapist Assistants is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand and a job market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for both job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $60,630↓ 2% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $59,370↓ 4% | 45 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $62,030↑ 0% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $60,790↓ 2% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania
Hiring Physical Therapist Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania is $61,880. This typically ranges from $47,100 for entry-level positions to $77,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 7.9% lower than the national median of $67,190.
Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?
Yes, Pennsylvania offers a competitive environment for Physical Therapist Assistants.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at par, meaning purchasing power is maintained. The stable job market further supports this.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($60,630) and State College, PA.
How does the number of Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Pennsylvania employs 4,410 Physical Therapist Assistants, and with 0.733 jobs per 1,000 workers, the concentration is slightly above the national average, indicating a robust presence.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania?
An LQ of 1.05 means that Physical Therapist Assistants are 5% more concentrated in Pennsylvania than the national average, suggesting a slightly higher prevalence and demand for the role within the state.
How does the cost of living in Pennsylvania affect a Physical Therapist Assistant's salary?
With a cost of living index of 99 (national average is 100), Pennsylvania's expenses are very close to the national average. This means the $61,880 salary provides a purchasing power nearly equivalent to the national average salary in a higher cost-of-living area.
What is the typical salary range for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania?
While the average is $61,880, salaries can vary significantly based on experience, location within Pennsylvania, and specific healthcare facility. Entry-level roles will be lower, while senior or specialized roles can command higher compensation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,410 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 0.733 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 Pennsylvania