Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in SeaTac, WA: $67,254 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in SeaTac, WA earns a median $67,254/year (≈ $32.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in SeaTac's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $62,620 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median annual compensation for physical therapist assistants in SeaTac, Washington, is projected to be $67,254. This figure reflects a salary range that spans from $46,743 at the 10th percentile to $88,469 at the 90th percentile. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, account for regional price differences and provide a tailored look at what professionals in this field can anticipate in the SeaTac market. Notably, the median salary sits below the national average of $70,247, which indicates a slight compression of earnings relative to the broader market. The local job market suggests that productivity expectations significantly impact compensation levels, given that the role relies heavily on the number of patient visits completed per day.
About the SeaTac Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,743 | $22.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,201 | $27.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,254 | $32.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,406 | $35.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,469 | $42.53 |
Median Salary Position
4.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in SeaTac
In SeaTac, WA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,726 (2026 est.). At $67,254, the local median is 4.26% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in SeaTac: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How SeaTac Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
SeaTac median: $67,254/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | SeaTac Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $68,627 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -4.26% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in SeaTac, WA earn a median of $67,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.26% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.00% below the Washington state average of $68,627.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
SeaTac has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
SeaTac, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,254 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,620 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,286
2025 BLS Actual
$65,467
2026 Current Est.
$67,254
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in SeaTac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,286 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,224 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,574 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,096 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,773 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,467 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,254 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,090 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the SeaTac metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $56,286 (2019) to $65,467 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,090 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,804 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the SeaTac 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) | $46,743 – $58,201 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,201 – $67,254 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,254 – $74,406 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,406 – $88,469 |
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 SeaTac
The job market for physical therapist assistants in SeaTac is relatively modest, with only six professionals currently employed in the area, which could present challenges in job availability. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 107.4, this situation underscores the importance of understanding take-home purchasing power in a locale where living expenses exceed the national average. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the highest salaries, closely followed by hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings. The wage disparity arises from various factors, including settings that demand higher productivity and the intricacies of reimbursement practices, particularly in environments affected by the Medicare 15% cut. To navigate pay opportunities effectively in SeaTac, advisors suggest focusing on outpatient roles or pursuing additional credentials, such as DPT pathways, which could enhance earning potential while meeting supervision requirements aligned with PTAs' state law compliance and CMS regulations.
More salary data for SeaTac, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in SeaTac, WA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in SeaTac?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in SeaTac?
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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 $65,467 for physical therapist assistantsin the SeaTac 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 SeaTac 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