Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Longview, TX: $26,402 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Longview, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $26,402 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longview's local price level (BEA RPP 89.5 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,504 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,773) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Physical therapist assistants entering the workforce in Longview, TX can expect a starting physical therapist assistant salary of approximately $26,402 in 2026. This entry-level figure stands in contrast to the overall median salary of $78,773 for PTAs in the city, highlighting a considerable gap for new graduates to bridge as they gain experience. While starting salaries may feel modest, they have the potential to increase significantly within the first few years of practice, with realistic earnings estimates reaching around $60,323 as new PTAs develop their skills and build their patient base. Given the city's ongoing demand for rehabilitation services, Longview provides a favorable market for fresh graduates looking to launch their careers in physical therapy.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longview
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 Longview
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Longview, TX typically start between $26,402 and $60,323 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $72,024 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,773 — 12.14% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Texas of $20,000 represents just 75.75% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($26,402/year) in Longview. 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 Longview
- 1Research the Longview market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $26,402 to $60,323, 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 Longview, 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 Longview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longview'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 Longview is $72,024 ( 272.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $26,402, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,426.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,280
2025 BLS Actual
$25,700
2026 Current Est.
$26,402
2019–2027 Growth
+7.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,280 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $22,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,402 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27,122 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Longview, TX grew 1.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,280 in 2019 to $25,700 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $27,122. New graduates entering the Longview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 Longview
In Longview, a variety of employers routinely welcome new grad physical therapist assistants into their teams, particularly outpatient rehab facilities that focus on high patient turnover. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still seek entry-level applicants, despite facing challenges related to reimbursement cuts from Medicare, particularly the 15% reduction affecting PTA services implemented in 2022. For those starting their PTA careers, obtaining relevant credentials such as a CAPTE-accredited Associate's degree, passing the NPTAE exam, and securing a state PTA license are essential steps to boost competitive starting pay. Most new PTAs are closely supervised by licensed PTs, making it crucial for early-career professionals to align their approaches with state regulations and Medicare guidelines. Within the first three years, many PTAs can anticipate salary improvements as they accumulate experience; however, understanding the implications of frequent reimbursement changes in Medicare policies will be pivotal as they navigate their early career paths in Longview.
More salary data for Longview, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Longview in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Longview?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Longview?
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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 Longview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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