Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Smyrna, TN: $64,888 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Smyrna, TN earns a median $64,888/year (≈ $31.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $70,684 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a physical therapist assistant in Smyrna, Tennessee, can expect a median annual salary of $64,888, which is approximately 7.63% lower than the national median of $70,247. The local salary range is projected to span from $45,133 at the 10th percentile to $82,744 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential for professionals in this field. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data, which considers regional cost adjustments. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, those interested in advancing their careers may find pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) opens additional pathways and increases lifelong earning potential, making Smyrna an intriguing location for physical therapist assistants seeking growth in their careers.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,133 | $21.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,146 | $27.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,888 | $31.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,251 | $36.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,744 | $39.78 |
Median Salary Position
7.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, TN, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,611 (2026 est.). At $64,888, the local median is 7.63% below the national median of $70,247.
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How Smyrna Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $64,888/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $64,182 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | -7.63% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Smyrna, TN earn a median of $64,888 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.63% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $64,182.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna 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.
Smyrna, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $64,888 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,684 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,306
2025 BLS Actual
$63,164
2026 Current Est.
$64,888
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,306 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,211 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,513 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,982 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,192 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,242 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,164 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,888 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,660 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $54,306 (2019) to $63,164 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,660 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,354 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $45,133 – $56,146 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,146 – $64,888 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,888 – $75,251 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,251 – $82,744 |
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 Smyrna
Exploring the local job market reveals that Smyrna is home to approximately 12 employed physical therapist assistants, highlighting a niche community working within various healthcare settings. With a cost-of-living index of 91.8, those in the profession may find that their salaries afford them a competitive purchasing power compared to other regions. Employers in Smyrna, including outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities, generally offer the highest pay. However, compensation disparities arise due to factors such as productivity expectations, weekend and PRN premiums, and the ongoing impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affecting PTA services in Medicare-reliant settings. To maximize earning potential in Smyrna, PTAs could consider specializing or gaining experience in higher-paying roles, as well as pursuing the PTA-to-DPT transition to enhance their qualifications and long-term financial outlook.
More salary data for Smyrna, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Smyrna, TN in 2026?
Is Smyrna, TN a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Smyrna?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Smyrna?
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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 $63,164 for physical therapist assistantsin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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