Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $62,270 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Manitowoc, WI earns a median $62,270/year (≈ $29.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Manitowoc's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $66,670 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a physical therapist assistant in Manitowoc can expect to earn a median annual salary of $62,270. This figure, while reflective of local market conditions, remains approximately 11.36% lower than the national median of $70,247. The local salary range runs from $46,188 at the 10th percentile to $78,984 at the 90th percentile, presenting a diverse landscape for potential earnings, influenced by various factors. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, indicate a local market navigating challenges like the 15% Medicare cut and its impact on service settings, particularly outpatient and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). As Manitowoc adjusts to these changes, the demand for physical therapist assistants remains, suggesting opportunities for those entering the profession.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,188 | $22.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,842 | $26.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,270 | $29.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,130 | $34.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,984 | $37.97 |
Median Salary Position
11.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manitowoc
In Manitowoc, WI, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,796 (2026 est.). At $62,270, the local median is 11.36% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manitowoc: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manitowoc Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Manitowoc median: $62,270/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manitowoc Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $65,136 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -11.36% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Manitowoc, WI earn a median of $62,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.36% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.40% below the Wisconsin state average of $65,136.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manitowoc has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manitowoc, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $62,270 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,670 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,114
2025 BLS Actual
$60,615
2026 Current Est.
$62,270
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,114 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,983 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,233 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,642 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,803 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,382 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,615 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,270 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,970 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manitowoc metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $52,114 (2019) to $60,615 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,970 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,856 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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) | $46,188 – $55,842 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,842 – $62,270 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,270 – $72,130 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,130 – $78,984 |
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 Manitowoc
Despite the challenging reimbursement climate, the local job market supports nine physical therapist assistants, reflecting a targeted yet stable employment pool. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, salaries in Manitowoc stretch a bit further compared to national averages, illustrating a real opportunity for PTAs seeking beneficial compensation. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly large chains, tend to offer the highest pay, alongside hospital inpatient rehab settings. Conversely, SNFs may lag in wages due to the Medicare reimbursement cuts impacting their budgets and staffing capabilities. Factors affecting variation in pay include expectations for productivity, the level of supervision required by state law, and the extent of weekend or per diem premium rates. To maximize earnings, aspiring PTAs in Manitowoc could consider gaining experience in high-paying settings, pursuing additional certifications, and exploring bridge pathways to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Manitowoc, WI in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Manitowoc?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Manitowoc?
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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 $60,615 for physical therapist assistantsin the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc 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