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Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Physical Therapist Assistants in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $73,150. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $67,190, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher operational costs within this metropolitan region that contribute to elevated compensation. The local economic landscape and the specific needs of its patient population likely drive this favorable pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $73,150 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,250.
  • Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area supports a local workforce of 950 Physical Therapist Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 0.65, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not oversaturated job market. The presence of 0.457 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for skilled PTAs, pointing towards a robust employment outlook for those in the field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$73,150

The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+8.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$35.2

Weekly

$1,407

Monthly

$6,096

Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Career progression for Physical Therapist Assistants in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge, expertise, and demonstrated patient care outcomes.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$38,570$18.5
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$54,863$26.4
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$74,240$35.7
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$91,438$44
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$94,250$45.3

Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$73,150

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$73,150

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $73,150 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average. Therefore, the increased earnings are balanced by the local cost of living, offering a stable financial standing for Physical Therapist Assistants.

Job Market Context

950

Total Jobs

0.457

Per 1K Jobs

0.65

Location Quotient

Below Average

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.65x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.65 for Physical Therapist Assistants in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue suggests that the profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This indicates that while there is a solid presence of PTAs, the job market may offer more opportunities relative to the number of professionals available, potentially leading to competitive hiring environments for employers and good prospects for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Physical Therapist Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $73,150. This typically ranges from $38,570 for entry-level positions to $94,250 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 8.9% higher than the national median of $67,190.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants.The average salary of $73,150 is substantially higher than the national average, and this is balanced by a cost of living index that is exactly at the national average, making it financially advantageous.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($63,590) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

Physical Therapist Assistants in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue earn an average of $73,150 annually, which is over $6,000 more than the national average of $67,190.

What is the job market like for PTAs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?

The job market is stable with a solid workforce size and a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating consistent demand and good employment prospects.

Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary?

No, the cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is at the national average (100), meaning the higher nominal salary of $73,150 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area?

There are approximately 950 Physical Therapist Assistants employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 950 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.457 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.