Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Brighton, CO: $46,967 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Brighton, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,967 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brighton's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,730 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,786) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Brighton, Colorado, can expect a starting salary that may be lower than the city median. The entry-level salary sits at about $46,967, which is significantly below the projected median annual salary of $63,786 for 2026. However, the career trajectory for physical therapist assistants shows promise, as early-career professionals can advance from earning around $46,967 to $56,946 at the 25th percentile, and ultimately towards the median as they gain experience over the first three to five years. With an annual growth rate of 2.73%, Brighton presents a solid market for newcomers, making it a viable option for recent PTA graduates to launch their careers.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brighton
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 Brighton
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Brighton, CO typically start between $46,967 and $56,946 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,791 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,786 — 9.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Colorado of $22,000 represents just 46.84% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,967/year) in Brighton. 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 Brighton
- 1Research the Brighton market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,967 to $56,946, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brighton, 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 Brighton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brighton's moderate 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 Brighton is $35,791 ( 76.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,967, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,758.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,027
2025 BLS Actual
$45,719
2026 Current Est.
$46,967
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,027 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,401 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,694 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,497 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,319 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,442 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,719 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,967 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,249 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Brighton, CO grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,027 in 2019 to $45,719 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,249. New graduates entering the Brighton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brighton 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 Brighton
Employers in Brighton are actively hiring new physical therapist assistant graduates, particularly outpatient clinics where most opportunities arise. Although skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are often constrained by reimbursement cuts, they still recruit PTAs, albeit with an understanding that experience may be favored. To enhance starting pay in Colorado, credentials like an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, acquiring a state PTA license, and obtaining BLS certification will prove beneficial. In addition, advanced proficiency credentials from the APTA can further elevate a candidate's appeal. In the first few years of practice, entry-level PTAs can hone their skills under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, navigating the impacts of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement rates while developing strategies to position themselves for more lucrative roles as their experience grows.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Brighton in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Brighton?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Brighton?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Brighton?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Colorado?
Related Pages
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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 Brighton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brighton 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