Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Beloit, WI: $49,309 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Beloit, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,309 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Beloit's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,793 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,972) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of physical therapy assistance in Beloit, Wisconsin, can expect a starting salary around $49,309, significantly lower than the city median of $71,972. This substantial gap highlights the challenges new physical therapist assistants face as they begin their careers. However, as they gain experience, salaries can grow, with expectations moving to approximately $65,973 in the first few years. Given that Beloit's median salary is competitive compared to the projected national median of $70,247, the market appears to present reasonable opportunities for entry-level PTAs. With a growth rate of 2.73%, those in this profession can anticipate a steady increase in pay, making Beloit a viable option for fresh graduates pursuing careers in physical therapy assistance.
About the Beloit Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Beloit
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 Beloit
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Beloit, WI typically start between $49,309 and $65,973 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,647 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,972 — 2.46% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $18,000 represents just 36.50% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($49,309/year) in Beloit. 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 Beloit
- 1Research the Beloit market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $49,309 to $65,973, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Beloit, 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 Beloit for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Beloit'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 Beloit is $39,647 ( 80.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,309, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,956.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,624
2025 BLS Actual
$47,999
2026 Current Est.
$49,309
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Beloit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,624 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,016 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,474 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,566 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,815 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,999 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,309 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,656 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Beloit, WI grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,624 in 2019 to $47,999 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,656. New graduates entering the Beloit job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beloit 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 Beloit
Locally, a variety of employers hire newly minted physical therapist assistants, particularly outpatient chains, which generally offer the most positions for new grads. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still actively recruit despite facing cuts in reimbursement rates due to recent Medicare changes, while home health agencies often seek candidates with prior clinical experience. For new PTAs in Beloit, possessing an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are essential credentials. Further, advanced proficiency credentials from the APTA can enhance earning potential. However, it is crucial for entry-level professionals to strategize their early career effectively, as the 15% Medicare cut for PTA-provided services, effective in 2022, has impacted pay in Medicare-dependent settings. Realistically, new PTAs can expect gradual salary progress as they build their knowledge and skills, likely reaching a more competitive pay scale within their first three years.
More salary data for Beloit, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Beloit in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Beloit?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Beloit?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Beloit?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Wisconsin?
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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 Beloit. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Beloit 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