Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Burien, WA: $49,283 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Burien, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,283 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burien's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,887 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,314) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field as physical therapist assistants in Burien, Washington, can expect to see starting salaries around $49,283, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $68,314. However, this entry-level figure is only the beginning; with experience, new PTAs can realistically move up through pay tiers, reaching about $60,435 with a few years of dedicated work. The market for physical therapist assistants in Burien appears favorable for newcomers, especially given the annual growth rate of 2.73% projected over the next five years. For new grad physical therapist assistant pay in WA, understanding these figures sets realistic expectations for what can be achieved in the early stages of their careers.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burien
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 Burien
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Burien, WA typically start between $49,283 and $60,435 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,705 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,314 — 2.75% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $24,000 represents just 48.70% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($49,283/year) in Burien. 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 Burien
- 1Research the Burien market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $49,283 to $60,435, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burien, 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 Burien for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burien'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 Burien is $42,705 ( 86.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,283, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,988.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,606
2025 BLS Actual
$47,973
2026 Current Est.
$49,283
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,606 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,998 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,454 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,542 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,307 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,847 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,973 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,283 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,628 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Burien, WA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,606 in 2019 to $47,973 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,628. New graduates entering the Burien job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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 Burien
For new physical therapist assistants looking to establish their careers in Burien, it is essential to be aware of the type of employers in the area that typically hire entry-level candidates. Outpatient rehabilitation chains are among the most significant employers for recent graduates, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still recruit, albeit with some constraints following recent Medicare cuts that have impacted reimbursement rates. Securing credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and passing the NPTAE national exam are vital steps, ensuring compliance with state licensing and potentially enhancing starting physical therapist assistant salary in Burien. In these first few years, PTAs work under the supervision of physical therapists, making it crucial to build a strong foundation and consider advanced pathways, like PTA-to-DPT transitions, while recognizing the compressed pay scenario due to recent reimbursement challenges. Realistic salary growth can be anticipated as new PTAs gain experience, likely seeing upward movement as they strive to develop their skills and increase their marketability in a competitive healthcare environment.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Burien in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Burien?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Burien?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Burien?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Washington?
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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 Burien. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burien 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