Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Holland, MI: $44,154 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Holland, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,154 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Holland's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,376 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,977) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of physical therapy assistance in Holland, MI can expect their starting physical therapist assistant salary to be approximately $44,154 in 2026. While this figure is below the city median of $59,977, it shows a promising trajectory for growth. Over the first few years in their careers, entry-level professionals can anticipate a steady climb from this starting point to around $53,727, as they gain experience and develop essential skills. The overall job market in Holland remains supportive for new grads, bolstered by the continued demand for physical therapy services, especially as providers seek to recover from the impact of recent reimbursement changes. With an annual growth rate of 2.73%, this profession represents a stable opportunity for those newly certified in a competitive field.
About the Holland Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Holland
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 Holland
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Holland, MI typically start between $44,154 and $53,727 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,828 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,977 — 14.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Michigan of $20,000 represents just 45.30% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,154/year) in Holland. 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 Holland
- 1Research the Holland market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,154 to $53,727, 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 MI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Holland, 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 Holland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Holland'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 Holland is $31,828 ( 72.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,154, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,982.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,109
2025 BLS Actual
$42,981
2026 Current Est.
$44,154
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Holland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,109 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,460 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,557 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,011 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,904 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,981 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,154 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,360 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Holland, MI grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,109 in 2019 to $42,981 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,360. New graduates entering the Holland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Holland 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 Holland
In Holland, several types of employers are actively hiring new grad physical therapist assistants, with outpatient therapy chains being among the largest recruiters. Skilled nursing facilities may still welcome fresh graduates despite tighter budgets due to previous Medicare reimbursement cuts, which have impacted how pay is structured across many settings. To maximize starting pay in Michigan, recent graduates should ensure they have completed a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passed the NPTAE national exam, and secured a state PTA license. Pursuing optional advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further enhance their qualifications and marketability. Given that PTAs must operate under the supervision of licensed physical therapists and navigate changing reimbursement landscapes, it's crucial for early-career professionals to focus on building skills and connections in their first 1-3 years. Realistically, those who start at the lower end of the pay spectrum can expect gradual salary increases as they gain hands-on experience and adapt to the demands of their roles.
More salary data for Holland, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Holland in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Holland?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Holland?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Holland?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Michigan?
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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 Holland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Holland 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