Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Redmond, WA: $46,395 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Redmond, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,395 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Redmond's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,198 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,570) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newcomers to the physical therapist assistant (PTA) profession in Redmond, Washington can expect to see starting salaries in the range of $46,395, with factors like experience and location playing a role in determining their pay. This entry-level salary reflects the realities of breaking into the field, especially when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $68,570. For new graduates, early career expectations can evolve rapidly as they gain hands-on experience, with more seasoned PTAs earning around $58,357 after a few years, highlighting a clear pathway to a better compensation as they build their skill set. With a projected growth rate of 2.73% in this sector, Redmond presents a relatively favorable job market for new physical therapist assistants starting their careers.
About the Redmond Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Redmond
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 Redmond
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Redmond, WA typically start between $46,395 and $58,357 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,452 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,570 — 2.39% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $24,000 represents just 51.73% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,395/year) in Redmond. 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 Redmond
- 1Research the Redmond market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,395 to $58,357, 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 Redmond, 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 Redmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Redmond'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 Redmond is $46,452 ( 100.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,395, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,847.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,637
2025 BLS Actual
$45,162
2026 Current Est.
$46,395
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Redmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,637 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,006 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,259 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,991 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,828 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,595 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,162 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,395 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,662 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Redmond, WA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,637 in 2019 to $45,162 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,662. New graduates entering the Redmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redmond 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 Redmond
Aspiring physical therapist assistants in Redmond should focus on targeting employers that are known to recruit new grads, particularly outpatient clinics which are the largest employers for fresh PTAs. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to hire despite recent challenges brought on by Medicare reimbursement cuts, while home health agencies typically seek candidates with a bit more experience. Securing an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program is the first step, as is passing the NPTAE national exam and obtaining a state PTA license. Pursuing additional certifications, such as advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA, can also enhance starting pay potential. Given the recent 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursement for PTA services—which has affected salaries, especially in Medicare-reliant settings—new PTAs should prepare for modest salary growth in their initial years, with realistic expectations of gaining hands-on experience leading to salary increases as they approach their first few career milestones.
More salary data for Redmond, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Redmond in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Redmond?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Redmond?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Redmond?
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 Redmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Redmond 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