Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Columbia, TN: $62,562 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Columbia, TN earns a median $62,562/year (≈ $30.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $68,150 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median annual compensation for physical therapist assistants in Columbia, Tennessee, stands at $62,562. This figure illustrates a notable discrepancy when compared to the national median of $70,247, reflecting a -10.94% variance. The salary range for local PTAs varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $43,176 (P10) and more experienced roles achieving up to $81,471 (P90). These projections are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, highlighting a local market shaped by a divide between outpatient settings and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) following recent Medicare cuts. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for aspiring PTAs in Columbia as they plan their career paths.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,176 | $20.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,719 | $25.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,562 | $30.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,597 | $34.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,471 | $39.17 |
Median Salary Position
10.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, TN, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,295 (2026 est.). At $62,562, the local median is 10.94% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be above the median
How Columbia Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Columbia median: $62,562/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $64,166 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -10.94% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbia, TN earn a median of $62,562 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.94% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $64,166.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $62,562 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,150 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,358
2025 BLS Actual
$60,899
2026 Current Est.
$62,562
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,358 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,231 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,487 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,903 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,069 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,045 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,899 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,562 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,269 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $52,358 (2019) to $60,899 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,269 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,911 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $43,176 – $53,719 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,719 – $62,562 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,562 – $72,597 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,597 – $81,471 |
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 Columbia
The job market in Columbia has ten physical therapist assistants currently employed, illustrating a modest local interest in this profession. With a cost of living index of 91.8—indicating affordability compared to the national average—the take-home pay for PTAs can enable a comfortable lifestyle in this area. Outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs generally offer the highest pay in Columbia, while skilled nursing facilities face challenges due to the 15% Medicare cut impacting reimbursement for PTA services. PTAs can maximize their earning potential by considering roles in more lucrative settings, engaging in professional development, and exploring PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways for enhanced qualifications. Given the market demands, establishing a resilient skill set will help bridge the pay gap and navigate future opportunities in Columbia, TN.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Columbia, TN in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Columbia?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Columbia?
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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 $60,899 for physical therapist assistantsin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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