Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Jackson, TN: $51,796 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Jackson, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,796 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 85.5 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,565 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,645) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates considering a career in physical therapy in Jackson, Tennessee, can anticipate a starting physical therapist assistant salary in the range of $51,796 to $62,645. This entry-level pay represents a significant gap between the lower end and the city median of $62,645, suggesting a promising trajectory for those willing to grow their skills over their first few years. Entry-level physical therapist assistants may see gradual salary increases as they gain experience, particularly within the context of a 2.73% annual growth rate projected in this profession. Jackson's market appears favorable for new grads, with opportunities available in various healthcare settings despite the ongoing impact of federal reimbursement cuts that have affected Medicare-based roles.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Jackson, TN typically start between $51,796 and $62,645 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,885 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,645 — 10.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Tennessee of $16,000 represents just 30.89% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($51,796/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $51,796 to $62,645, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $29,885 ( 57.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,796, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,681.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,690
2025 BLS Actual
$50,420
2026 Current Est.
$51,796
2019–2027 Growth
+67.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,365 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,763 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,796 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,211 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, TN grew 59.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,690 in 2019 to $50,420 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,211. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
In Jackson, several employers actively recruit new graduates for physical therapist assistant positions. Outpatient therapy clinics typically serve as the primary employers, providing a solid entry point for fresh graduates as they start their careers. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still hire new PTAs, recent reimbursement cuts may affect pay and job conditions, making outpatient clinics a more attractive option. Achieving an edge in salary negotiations may require an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license. Continuing education and optional advanced proficiency credentials through APTA can enhance earning potential. New PTAs should keep in mind the necessity of working under PT supervision, especially in environments heavily reliant on Medicare, where a 15% cut in reimbursement for PTA-provided services has pressured salaries. In the initial years, realistic salary progression may align with the broader market dynamics as they navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare in Jackson, TN.
More salary data for Jackson, TN:
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
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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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