Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Norfolk, NE: $59,861 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Norfolk, NE earns a median $59,861/year (≈ $28.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $65,422 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Nebraska, the financial outlook for physical therapist assistants is centered around a projected median annual salary of $59,861 for 2026. This figure represents a significant consideration for prospective PTAs, especially against the national median of $70,247. Local salaries fall within a broad range, from a lower end of $46,047 to a higher end of $74,121. These estimates are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, reflecting the economic realities faced by PTAs. The local market has shifted notably in response to changes in Medicare reimbursement rates, particularly following the 15% cut in payments for PTA-provided services that took effect in 2022. As a result, employment structures have transformed, particularly between outpatient facilities and skilled nursing facilities, impacting compensation in Norfolk.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,047 | $22.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,887 | $26.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,861 | $28.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,322 | $32.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,121 | $35.64 |
Median Salary Position
14.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, NE, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,074 (2026 est.). At $59,861, the local median is 14.78% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $59,861/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $64,297 | -6.90% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -14.78% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Norfolk, NE earn a median of $59,861 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.78% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $64,297.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $59,861 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,422 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,098
2025 BLS Actual
$58,270
2026 Current Est.
$59,861
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,098 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,933 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,135 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,489 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,606 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,129 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,861 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,495 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $50,098 (2019) to $58,270 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,495 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,397 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $46,047 – $54,887 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,887 – $59,861 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,861 – $67,322 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,322 – $74,121 |
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 Norfolk
The physical therapist assistant job market in Norfolk, NE, currently consists of six employed professionals, reflecting a modest but stable demand for this role. The cost of living index in Norfolk, recorded at 91.5, indicates that residents generally face lower living expenses compared to the national average, affording PTAs more purchasing power relative to their income. Outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the most competitive pay, followed by skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. The salary disparities in the area stem from various factors—such as the setting in which PTAs work, productivity expectations, and supervision requirements. Additionally, the lingering effects of the Medicare reimbursement cuts impact pay scales, especially in environments that serve a Medicare-dependent population. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Norfolk, pursuing positions in outpatient settings and seeking opportunities for weekend or PRN shifts can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Norfolk, NE in 2026?
Is Norfolk, NE a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Norfolk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Norfolk?
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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 $58,270 for physical therapist assistantsin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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