Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Harrisburg, PA: $64,032 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Harrisburg, PA earns a median $64,032/year (≈ $30.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Harrisburg's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.7), that paycheck buys what $64,908 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $64,032 for physical therapist assistants in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the local pay reflects a competitive market compared to national figures, which sit at $70,247 for 2026. The salary range for PTAs in the area varies widely, from approximately $50,112 at the lower end to $80,016 at the upper tier. These figures are derived from BLS OEWS surveys and paint a clear picture of Harrisburg’s job market, which emphasizes the importance of productivity expectations and the number of patient visits per day that influence compensation structures. Given the dynamics of outpatient therapy and the competitiveness of local clinics, understanding these nuances is vital for both current practitioners and new graduates entering the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,112 | $24.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,488 | $26.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,032 | $30.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,400 | $36.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,016 | $38.47 |
Median Salary Position
8.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Harrisburg
In Harrisburg, PA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,904 (2026 est.). At $64,032, the local median is 8.85% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Harrisburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Harrisburg Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Harrisburg median: $64,032/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Harrisburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $63,335 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | -8.85% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Harrisburg, PA earn a median of $64,032 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.85% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.10% above the Pennsylvania state average of $63,335.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Harrisburg has a cost of living 1.35% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Harrisburg, PA has a cost-of-living index of 98.65 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $64,032 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,908 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.37% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,650
2025 BLS Actual
$62,330
2026 Current Est.
$64,032
2019–2027 Growth
+20.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Harrisburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,032 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,780 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Harrisburg metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 14.1% from $54,650 (2019) to $62,330 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,780 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,130 (20.37%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Harrisburg 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) | $50,112 – $54,488 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,488 – $64,032 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,032 – $76,400 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,400 – $80,016 |
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 Harrisburg
Looking deeper into the employment landscape, Harrisburg currently has about 190 physical therapist assistants, indicating a stable demand for these professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 98.65, professionals here can enjoy relatively reasonable living conditions, though it also means salaries may need to be carefully managed to maximize purchasing power. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and home health agencies typically offer the most competitive pay packages, reflecting the increasing demand for services in those environments. Variations in pay are influenced by factors such as productivity expectations, weekend and PRN premiums, and the 15% Medicare cut that continues to affect reimbursement rates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. To maximize earnings, PTAs should consider seeking positions in high-demand settings, advocating for raises based on productivity metrics, and exploring opportunities to bridge into DPT programs as a long-term strategy for growth in their careers.
More salary data for Harrisburg, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Harrisburg, PA in 2026?
Is Harrisburg, PA a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Harrisburg?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Harrisburg?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in Harrisburg?
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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 $62,330 for physical therapist assistantsin the Harrisburg 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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