Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Springdale, AR: $52,395 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Springdale, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,395 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Springdale's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,293 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,270) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the workforce as physical therapist assistants in Springdale can expect starting salaries to begin at around $52,395, with further potential for growth within their first few years. The gap between this entry-level pay and the city median salary of $76,270 highlights a significant upward trajectory for entry-level PTAs. Over the first few years in the profession, compensation is likely to advance through the $65,503 range and even closer to the median as experience is gained. Given the positive growth trajectory in Springdale, with an annual growth rate of 2.73%, the market presents a promising opportunity for newly minted professionals seeking to establish their careers in physical therapy.
About the Springdale Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Springdale
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springdale
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Springdale, AR typically start between $52,395 and $65,503 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,022 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,270 — 8.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Arkansas of $11,000 represents just 20.99% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($52,395/year) in Springdale. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Springdale
- 1Research the Springdale market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $52,395 to $65,503, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Springdale, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Springdale for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Springdale's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Springdale is $47,022 ( 89.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,395, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,417.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,729
2025 BLS Actual
$51,003
2026 Current Est.
$52,395
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Springdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,729 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,145 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,293 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,979 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,819 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,003 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,395 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,826 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Springdale, AR grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,729 in 2019 to $51,003 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,826. New graduates entering the Springdale job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springdale metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Springdale
New physical therapist assistants should focus their job search on outpatient clinics, which frequently hire fresh graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to employ entry-level PTAs despite recent reimbursement cuts, though these settings now favor candidates with experience due to the financial pressures following the 15% Medicare reduction implemented in 2022. To enhance their starting physical therapist assistant salary in Springdale and improve hiring prospects, new graduates should ensure they possess an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE exam, and secure a state PTA license. Working towards advancing proficiency credentials via the APTA can also provide a competitive edge. Realistically, salaries within the first three years can vary significantly based on the setting and experience, with steady growth expected as they navigate their careers under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
More salary data for Springdale, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Springdale in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Springdale?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Springdale?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Springdale?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Arkansas?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Springdale. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Springdale is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov