Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in McDonough, GA: $65,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in McDonough, GA earns a median $65,627/year (≈ $31.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in McDonough's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $70,491 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median salary of $65,627 in 2026, physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in McDonough, GA, can expect to earn competitive wages compared to local and national standards. The salary ranges from $49,510 at the 10th percentile to $84,058 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential based on experience, setting, and other factors. These figures come from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, reflecting the unique economic landscape of the area. As the demand for PTAs continues to grow, particularly with pathways available from PTA to DPT, potential earnings can increase over a lifetime, making this career choice appealing in McDonough's job market.
About the McDonough Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,510 | $23.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,466 | $28.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,627 | $31.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,836 | $35.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,058 | $40.41 |
Median Salary Position
6.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McDonough
In McDonough, GA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,548 (2026 est.). At $65,627, the local median is 6.58% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McDonough: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How McDonough Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
McDonough median: $65,627/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McDonough Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $68,078 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -6.58% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in McDonough, GA earn a median of $65,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.58% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.60% below the Georgia state average of $68,078.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McDonough has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
McDonough, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $65,627 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,491 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,924
2025 BLS Actual
$63,883
2026 Current Est.
$65,627
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in McDonough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,924 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,839 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,157 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,642 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,866 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,429 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,883 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,419 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McDonough metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $54,924 (2019) to $63,883 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,419 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,495 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McDonough 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $49,510 – $59,466 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,466 – $65,627 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,627 – $72,836 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,836 – $84,058 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in McDonough
In McDonough, there are currently seven physical therapist assistants employed, highlighting a niche yet vital role within the community's healthcare framework. The cost of living index stands at 93.1, indicating that while salaries may be slightly below the national median, residents enjoy a lower cost of living, which helps maintain purchasing power. Among the various local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics often provide the highest salaries, followed by skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. The disparity between lower and higher pay can be attributed to factors like productivity demands, weekend and PRN incentives, and the significant impact of the Medicare 15% cut on settings reliant on Medicare funding. For those in McDonough looking to maximize their earning potential, aligning with high-demand settings, enhancing skill sets, and considering continuing education pathways can pave the way for greater financial rewards in the physical therapy profession.
More salary data for McDonough, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in McDonough, GA in 2026?
Is McDonough, GA a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in McDonough?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in McDonough?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in McDonough?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $63,883 for physical therapist assistantsin the McDonough metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for McDonough 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