Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Texarkana, AR: $95,877 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Texarkana, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $95,877/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Texarkana's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $110,330 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Texarkana, AR, the forecast for experienced physical therapist assistants indicates a compelling compensation trajectory, particularly for top earners. With a projected salary range reaching as high as $95,877, senior professionals in this field can expect significant financial rewards as they advance their careers. The median salary of $74,936 reflects a marked gap between seasoned experts and less experienced colleagues, underscoring the premium that comes with years of specialized training and practice. Achieving such top-tier pay often requires not only practical experience but also advancements in credentials, such as achieving national proficiency or transitioning to roles that include leadership responsibilities or specialized patient care.
About the Texarkana Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Texarkana
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Texarkana earn between $85,689 and $95,877 per year (2026 est.). This $39,591 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Texarkana median of $74,936 sits 6.68% above the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Texarkana | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $74,936 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,689 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $95,877 | $91,954 |
In Texarkana, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 27.95% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Texarkana
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $74,936 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Texarkana employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Texarkana command premium compensation, often reaching the $85,689–$95,877 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Texarkana metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Texarkana with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Texarkana
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTexarkana ranks #3 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $95,877).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Texarkana ($95,877) is 7.53% above the Arkansas average P90 ($89,167).
2019 BLS Actual
$84,289
2025 BLS Actual
$93,329
2026 Current Est.
$95,877
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,989 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,591 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,866 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,329 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,877 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,494 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Texarkana saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $84,289 in 2019 to $93,329 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $98,494 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Texarkana
The potential for higher income in Texarkana aligns closely with particular specializations known to command superior pay. Areas such as orthopedic rehabilitation, geriatric care, and sports medicine often provide more lucrative opportunities when compared to general practice settings. Moreover, the type of employer significantly influences compensation dynamics. Outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer higher salaries than home health agencies, while skilled nursing facilities may present added challenges due to recent Medicare cuts. As experienced physical therapists assistants explore career advancements, positions that integrate leadership roles or involve further education—such as facilitating PTA training programs or pursuing a PTA-to-DPT bridge—illustrate paths to enhanced earning potential. Additionally, advanced credentials in physical therapy not only elevate the professional profile but also positively impact pay, especially in complex institutional settings.
More salary data for Texarkana, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Texarkana in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Texarkana?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Texarkana?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Texarkana?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Texarkana?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $93,329 for physical therapist assistants in the Texarkana metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Texarkana 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