Anchorage vs Sitka: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Anchorage, AK and Sitka, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anchorage, AK | Sitka, AK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,688▲ | $68,858 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.31▲ | $33.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,463▲ | $52,339 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,719▲ | $62,462 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,975▲ | $76,806 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,248▲ | $84,236 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sitka.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Sitka is $10,830 (15.73%). Anchorage's median is +13.44% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $22,785,Sitka spans $31,897. Sitka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Anchorage ($75,591 effective) pays 16.47% more than Sitka ($64,899 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anchorage if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,688/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,248)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,591)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Sitka if…
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Anchorage grew 16.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.0% growth in Sitka over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$66,540 (2019) → $77,570 (2025)
Sitka, AK
$70,576 (2024) → $67,028 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov