Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Killeen, TX: $50,307 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Killeen, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,307 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Killeen's local price level (BEA RPP 91.1 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,202 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,219) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the workforce as physical therapist assistants in Killeen, TX, can expect starting salaries around $50,307. This entry-level pay reflects a gap when compared to the median annual salary for this role in the city, which is projected to be $78,219. Over the first few years of their careers, PTAs can realistically anticipate salary progression, moving from the lower range to the 25th percentile earnings of $65,018 as they gain experience and skill. Given the competitive nature of the healthcare market in Killeen, prospects for those new to the field appear solid, especially with the projected growth rate of 2.73% annually. This growth trajectory points to a demand for skilled PTAs, making Killeen a favorable environment for new graduates entering this profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Killeen
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 Killeen
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Killeen, TX typically start between $50,307 and $65,018 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,920 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,219 — 11.35% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Texas of $20,000 represents just 39.76% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($50,307/year) in Killeen. 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 Killeen
- 1Research the Killeen market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $50,307 to $65,018, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Killeen, 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 Killeen for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Killeen'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 Killeen is $51,920 ( 103.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,307, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,227.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,305
2025 BLS Actual
$48,970
2026 Current Est.
$50,307
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,305 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,980 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,307 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,680 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Killeen, TX grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,305 in 2019 to $48,970 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,680. New graduates entering the Killeen job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Killeen 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 Killeen
For recent graduates seeking employment, the majority of opportunities in Killeen's healthcare sector tend to be with outpatient chains, which frequently hire entry-level physical therapist assistants. Additionally, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit despite recent reimbursement cuts, although they generally prefer candidates with some clinic experience. To enhance starting physical therapist assistant pay in TX, new grads should ensure they complete their CAPTE-accredited PTA programs, pass the NPTAE national exam, and secure their state PTA license. Further certifications, like advanced proficiency credentials through APTA, can also be advantageous. Given the context of ongoing reimbursement challenges—especially from the 15% cut to Medicare Part B for PTA services—new PTAs can anticipate realistic salary growth in their first three years, typically aligning more closely with the median salary as they accumulate experience and navigate the regulatory landscape guided by the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Killeen in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Killeen?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Killeen?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Killeen?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Texas?
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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 Killeen. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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