Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Physical Therapist Assistants in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $56,940. This figure is notably below the national average of $67,190, reflecting regional economic factors and demand specific to this locale. The compensation structure in this area is influenced by the unique economic landscape and the concentration of healthcare services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,210.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 240 Physical Therapist Assistants, the job market in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area indicates a stable, albeit niche, employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 1.98 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, pointing towards a robust local demand or a specialized regional focus on physical therapy services.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-15.3%below the national average.
$27.4
$1,095
$4,745
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased healthcare needs, and evolving patient care models likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Central Kentucky typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $21,880 | $10.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $42,705 | $20.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $60,400 | $29 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $71,175 | $34.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $76,210 | $36.6 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $56,940 in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
1.385
Per 1K Jobs
1.98
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.0x 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 1.98 for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area is a strong indicator of concentrated employment in this region. This elevated quotient suggests that the demand for these professionals is more than double the national average relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to a competitive job market for employers seeking talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $58,800↑ 3% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $53,660↓ 6% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $60,130↑ 6% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $67,080↑ 18% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $56,940. This typically ranges from $21,880 for entry-level positions to $76,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 15.3% lower than the national median of $67,190.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?
No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $56,940 is significantly lower than the national average of $67,190. However, the high concentration of jobs (LQ 1.98) suggests strong local demand.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($58,800) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the number of Physical Therapist Assistants in South Central Kentucky compare nationally?
With 240 Physical Therapist Assistants, the local workforce is a small segment of the national total, but the Location Quotient of 1.98 indicates a disproportionately high concentration of these professionals in the region.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Physical Therapist Assistants in this area?
An LQ of 1.98 means that Physical Therapist Assistants are employed in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area at nearly twice the rate found nationally, suggesting a strong regional emphasis on physical therapy services.
How does the cost of living affect the salary of a Physical Therapist Assistant in South Central Kentucky?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is average. Therefore, the $56,940 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary.
What does the jobs per 1,000 workers metric indicate for Physical Therapist Assistants?
The 1.385 jobs per 1,000 workers metric shows the prevalence of Physical Therapist Assistant roles within the broader workforce, indicating a consistent presence of these opportunities in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.385 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area