Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Washington
Physical Therapist Assistants in Washington state earn an impressive average annual salary of $68,260, slightly surpassing the national average of $67,190. This elevated compensation is often influenced by the state's robust healthcare sector and potentially higher operational costs for healthcare facilities within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $92,490.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,110 Physical Therapist Assistants, Washington presents a moderately sized but stable job market. The Location Quotient of 0.85 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a steady demand that aligns with the number of professionals in the field, rather than an oversupply or undersupply.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Washington earns+1.6%above the national average.
$32.8
$1,313
$5,688
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants in Washington have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and advancements in physical therapy techniques likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Washington
Career progression for Physical Therapist Assistants in Washington is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average, 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) | $37,420 | $18 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $51,195 | $24.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $72,950 | $35.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $85,325 | $41 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $92,490 | $44.5 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,305
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
While the average annual salary in Washington is $68,260, the Cost of Living Index stands at 115.1, meaning it is 15.1% more expensive to live in Washington than the national average. This suggests that the higher nominal salary is partially offset by increased living expenses, making careful budgeting essential for those relocating.
Job Market Context
2,110
Total Jobs
0.596
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Washington has 0.85x 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 0.85 indicates that Physical Therapist Assistant roles are slightly less concentrated in Washington compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $73,150↑ 7% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $63,150↓ 7% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $63,590↓ 7% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $62,210↓ 9% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $68,330↑ 0% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Washington is $68,260. This typically ranges from $37,420 for entry-level positions to $92,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 1.6% higher than the national median of $67,190.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?
Yes, with caveats.Washington offers a higher average salary than the national average for Physical Therapist Assistants. However, this is balanced by a significantly higher cost of living, requiring careful financial consideration.
Is Washington a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($73,150) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
What is the average salary for a Physical Therapist Assistant in Washington?
The average annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistant in Washington is $68,260.
How does Washington's Physical Therapist Assistant salary compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in Washington earn approximately $1,070 more annually than the national average of $67,190.
How does the cost of living in Washington affect the Physical Therapist Assistant salary?
Washington's Cost of Living Index is 115.1, meaning expenses are 15.1% higher than the national average. This higher salary is necessary to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Is the job market for Physical Therapist Assistants strong in Washington?
With 2,110 professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.85, the market indicates a steady demand for Physical Therapist Assistants, slightly below national concentration levels.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,110 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.596 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 Washington