Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Rockville, MD: $74,853 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Rockville, MD earns a median $74,853/year (≈ $35.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Rockville's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $68,484 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Rockville, Maryland, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $74,853, which positions them above the national median of $70,247—representing a 6.56% increase. The salary range extends from $53,712 at the 10th percentile to $97,510 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the operational changes in the healthcare market since significant Medicare cuts impacted reimbursement rates for outpatient services and skilled nursing facilities. As healthcare settings adapt to these shifts, the demand for skilled physical therapist assistants remains stable, creating opportunities for those entering the field.
About the Rockville Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,712 | $25.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,365 | $30.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,853 | $35.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,405 | $41.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,510 | $46.88 |
Median Salary Position
6.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rockville
In Rockville, MD, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,798 (2026 est.). At $74,853, the local median is 6.56% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rockville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rockville Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Rockville median: $74,853/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rockville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $76,772 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +6.56% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Rockville, MD earn a median of $74,853 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.50% below the Maryland state average of $76,772.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rockville has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rockville, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,853 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,484 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,645
2025 BLS Actual
$72,864
2026 Current Est.
$74,853
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Rockville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,645 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,689 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,192 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,886 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,282 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,459 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,864 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,853 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,897 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rockville metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $62,645 (2019) to $72,864 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,897 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,252 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rockville 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) | $53,712 – $64,365 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,365 – $74,853 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,853 – $86,405 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,405 – $97,510 |
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 Rockville
In Rockville, there are currently 15 physical therapist assistants employed, indicating a focused but competitive job market. The cost of living index stands at 109.3, suggesting that while salaries may appear attractive, the local expenses can affect purchasing power. Employers in outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the highest wages, along with skilled nursing facilities that navigate the ongoing repercussions of Medicare cuts. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to various factors, including the work environment, productivity expectations, and the additional challenges presented by weekend or PRN shifts. For physical therapist assistants looking to maximize their earnings, targeting positions in high-demand outpatient settings and expanding skill sets through continuing education can provide significant advantages within the Rockville, MD market.
More salary data for Rockville, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $72,864 for physical therapist assistantsin the Rockville 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 Rockville 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