2024 Data

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in San Antonio, TX: $58,919 (2024)

Official 2024 BLS Data | $28.33/hour | $36,811 - $88,020 range

Median Annual Salary

$58,919

8.6% vs national

Hourly Rate

$28.33

/hour

Jobs in Area

137

employed

Salary Range$36,811 - $88,020
10th %Median90th %
Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) | Editorial guidelines

Compare to Other Cities

See All →

San Antonio, TX

$58,919

San Jose, CA

$89,794

$30,875 more (+52.4%)

in San Jose, CA

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Range in San Antonio, TX

Annual Salary Range

$59k

$37k

10th percentile

$50k

25th

$71k

75th

$88k

90th percentile

Salary Breakdown by Percentile

PercentileAnnual SalaryHourly Rate
10th Percentile (Entry Level)$36,811$17.70
25th Percentile$49,696$23.89
Median (50th Percentile)$58,919$28.33
75th Percentile$71,097$34.18
90th Percentile (Top Earners)$88,020$42.32
Average (Mean)$64,717$31.11

Physical Therapist Assistant Market Insights for San Antonio, TX

Compensation Overview

Physical Therapist Assistant compensation in San Antonio, TX aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $36,811 to $88,020 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.

Local Market Context

San Antonio, TX offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Texas economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Career Outlook

The Physical Therapist Assistant profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 139% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.

Tips for Increasing Your Salary

  • Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 49% more than median salaries
  • Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
  • Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise

-9%

vs National Avg

-2%

vs State Avg

139%

Salary Range

137

Jobs in Area

Career Path & Salary Progression

Typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary growth in San Antonio, TX based on experience level.

🎓

Entry Level

0-2 years

10th percentile

$36,811

/year

📈

Early Career

2-5 years

25th percentile

$49,696

/year

💼

Mid Career

5-10 years

50th percentile

$58,919

/year

🎯

Senior

10-15 years

75th percentile

$71,097

/year

Expert

15+ years

90th percentile

$88,020

/year

Next Career Steps

Common career progressions from Physical Therapist Assistant:

Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.

Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in San Antonio, TX

Where Physical Therapist Assistants Work

Physical Therapist Assistants work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.

Local Employment Landscape

Employment in this occupation is more limited in San Antonio, TX compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.

Types of Employers Hiring

Large Corporations

Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential

Small to Medium Businesses

May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities

Government Agencies

Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance

Professional Services Firms

Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers

Skills That Increase Earning Potential

Advanced certifications in your specialtyLeadership and team managementData analysis and reportingCommunication and presentation skillsIndustry-specific software proficiency

Job Search Strategy for San Antonio, TX

  • Research major employers in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
  • Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Texas
  • Tailor your salary expectations based on the San Antonio, TX market rate of $58,919
  • Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $36,811 in this market

Physical Therapist Assistant Career Overview in San Antonio, TX

Local Employment
137
positions
Median Salary
$58,919
per year
vs National
-9%
difference
COL Index
92.4
100 = average

The job market for Physical Therapist Assistants in San Antonio, TX is emerging, with approximately 137 professionals employed across the metropolitan area. This represents a growing presence of Physical Therapist Assistant positions, reflecting the region's economic base and employer diversity in San Antonio, TX. Compensation aligns closely with national benchmarks, indicating a balanced supply-demand dynamic in this market.

San Antonio, TX's diverse economy supports healthcare roles across multiple sectors including healthcare, education, government, technology, manufacturing, and professional services. Major employers in Texas range from large corporations and hospital systems to mid-size regional firms and growing startups. This employer diversity provides career stability and mobility, as professionals can advance their careers without necessarily relocating. The mix of public and private sector opportunities also creates varied compensation structures, with some employers offering lower base salaries but stronger benefits and job security.

The growth outlook for Physical Therapist Assistant positions in San Antonio, TX is projected to remain stable with opportunities tied to local economic growth and industry trends. With 137 current positions and a median salary of $58,919, the market provides a solid foundation for career development. Professionals who invest in continuing education and stay current with industry developments position themselves for both job security and upward salary mobility. The combination of San Antonio, TX's economic trajectory and broader industry trends suggests that qualified Physical Therapist Assistants will continue to find opportunities in this market over the coming years.

San Antonio, TX offers a balanced proposition for Physical Therapist Assistants. The cost of living index of 92.4 sits near the national average, meaning the median salary of $58,919 translates to real purchasing power that closely matches the nominal figure. This makes salary comparisons with other similarly-priced metros straightforward. Physical Therapist Assistants evaluating San Antonio, TX against peer cities should focus on factors beyond raw salary numbers, including career growth opportunities, industry specialization, commute quality, and lifestyle fit.

The Healthcare field in San Antonio, TX benefits from the region's broader economic ecosystem. Local industry associations, professional networking groups, and continuing education opportunities through area universities and community colleges help Physical Therapist Assistants stay connected and advance their careers. Texas's business incentive programs and workforce development initiatives also play a role in attracting employers and creating positions. For Physical Therapist Assistants early in their career, San Antonio, TX offers the chance to build a professional network in a market where individual contributions are often more visible than in the largest metros, potentially accelerating career progression.

Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Deep Dive in San Antonio, TX

Entry LevelMedianTop Earners
$36,811$58,919$88,020

The salary range for Physical Therapist Assistants in San Antonio, TX spans from $36,811 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $88,020 for top earners (90th percentile), a spread of $51,209. This 139% differential reflects the significant impact that experience, specialization, credentials, and employer type have on compensation in this field. The median salary of $58,919 sits at the midpoint of the market, representing what a Physical Therapist Assistant with moderate experience and standard qualifications can expect. The 25th percentile ($49,696) typically corresponds to early-career professionals with 1-3 years of experience, while the 75th percentile ($71,097) reflects seasoned professionals with specialized skills or management responsibilities.

Base salary tells only part of the compensation story for Physical Therapist Assistants in San Antonio, TX. Total compensation packages commonly include health insurance (valued at $6,000-$15,000 annually for employer contributions), retirement plan matching (typically 3-6% of salary, worth $2,357 per year at the median), paid time off (averaging 15-20 days), and in some cases performance bonuses, stock options, or professional development allowances. When evaluating job offers, Physical Therapist Assistants should request a total compensation breakdown. A position paying $49,696 with strong benefits may deliver more value than one paying $58,919 with minimal perks.

Cost of living directly impacts how far a Physical Therapist Assistant's salary goes in San Antonio, TX. With a local cost-of-living index of 92.4 (where 100 equals the national average), the median salary of $58,919 provides purchasing power equivalent to approximately $63,765 in an average-cost U.S. city. This balanced cost environment means the salary figure closely reflects actual purchasing power, simplifying financial planning and comparisons with other mid-range markets.

Negotiating Physical Therapist Assistant compensation in San Antonio, TX requires market awareness. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentiles ($49,696 to $71,097) represents the most common negotiation range. Candidates with in-demand certifications, niche expertise, or competing offers have the strongest leverage. In this market, there may be room to push offers closer to national benchmarks, especially for candidates willing to reference out-of-market salary data. Asking for a salary review after 6-12 months, signing bonuses, or additional PTO are effective alternatives when base salary flexibility is limited. On an hourly basis, Physical Therapist Assistants in this market earn between $18 and $42 per hour, with the median at $28.

Physical Therapist Assistant Career Path & Growth in San Antonio, TX

Entry
$36,811
Early Career
$49,696
Mid Career
$58,919
Experienced
$71,097
Senior
$88,020

The career trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in San Antonio, TX shows significant earning potential over time. Entry-level professionals start around $36,811, while top earners reach $88,020, representing a 2.4x increase from start to peak. This progression typically unfolds over 10-20 years and is driven by accumulating expertise, taking on leadership responsibilities, developing specializations, and building a professional reputation. In San Antonio, TX's healthcare market, professionals who demonstrate consistent performance improvements and take on increasingly complex projects advance most quickly. Mid-career transitions into management, consulting, or entrepreneurship can also accelerate earnings beyond the standard progression curve.

Physical Therapist Assistants in San Antonio, TX who are exploring career pivots or complementary roles should consider positions such as related professionals in the same field, supervisory roles, and cross-functional positions. These adjacent occupations often share transferable skills and can offer different compensation structures, work environments, or growth trajectories. In San Antonio, TX's job market, professionals who develop cross-functional capabilities spanning multiple related roles tend to be more resilient to market shifts and better positioned for leadership opportunities. Lateral moves can also provide valuable perspective that strengthens a professional's long-term career trajectory.

The skills most in demand for Physical Therapist Assistants in San Antonio, TX include industry-specific technical competencies, communication and collaboration skills, analytical thinking, and adaptability to new tools and processes. Employers in San Antonio, TX value professionals who combine deep subject-matter expertise with the ability to work effectively across teams and adapt to evolving industry requirements. Pursuing relevant professional certifications can provide a measurable salary boost of 5-15% and signal commitment to the field. Continuous learning through industry conferences, online courses, and professional associations helps Physical Therapist Assistants stay competitive in San Antonio, TX's evolving job market.

More Questions About Physical Therapist Assistant Salaries in San Antonio, TX

What is the starting salary for a Physical Therapist Assistant in San Antonio, TX?

Entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants in San Antonio, TX (10th percentile) earn approximately $36,811 per year, or about $3,068 per month. The 25th percentile, representing early-career professionals with some experience, earns $49,696. These figures reflect base salary only; new hires may also receive benefits worth an additional 20-30% of base pay. Building specialized skills and pursuing relevant certifications are the fastest paths to moving beyond entry-level compensation.

How much do experienced Physical Therapist Assistants make in San Antonio, TX?

Experienced Physical Therapist Assistants at the 75th percentile earn $71,097 annually in San Antonio, TX, while top earners at the 90th percentile make $88,020. The jump from median ($58,919) to 75th percentile represents a 21% increase, typically achieved through 5-10 years of experience, management responsibilities, or specialized expertise. Senior professionals who combine technical depth with leadership skills are best positioned for top-tier compensation.

Is San Antonio, TX a good city for Physical Therapist Assistants?

San Antonio, TX offers competitive compensation that closely tracks national averages. With 137 Physical Therapist Assistant positions in the metro area, the market is smaller but can offer less competition and more personal career development. Quality of life, industry presence, and long-term career trajectory should all factor into your evaluation alongside salary data.

How does Physical Therapist Assistant pay in San Antonio, TX compare to the national average?

The median Physical Therapist Assistant salary in San Antonio, TX is $58,919, which is 9% lower than the national median of $64,480. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective purchasing power is $63,765, which provides a more accurate comparison. Within Texas, San Antonio, TX ranks at a competitive level for this occupation.

What benefits do Physical Therapist Assistants typically receive in San Antonio, TX?

Beyond base salary, Physical Therapist Assistants in San Antonio, TX typically receive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement contributions (401k matching of 3-6%), paid time off (15-25 days annually), and sometimes performance bonuses or profit sharing. The total value of benefits often adds 25-35% on top of base salary, meaning a Physical Therapist Assistant earning the median of $58,919 may receive total compensation of $76,595 or more. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement, professional development budgets, flexible work arrangements, and wellness programs.

What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapist Assistants in San Antonio, TX?

Physical Therapist Assistants in San Antonio, TX who command the highest salaries typically combine core technical competencies with strong communication skills, analytical thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to professional development. Employers in this market particularly value professionals who can demonstrate measurable impact, whether through revenue generation, cost savings, process improvements, or team leadership. Certifications relevant to the Healthcare field can increase earning potential by 5-15%. Staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies is essential for career advancement and salary growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

The median physical therapist assistant salary in San Antonio, TX is $58,919 per year ($28.33/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $36,811 for entry-level positions to $88,020 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.

Entry-level physical therapist assistants in San Antonio, TX typically start at around $36,811 per year ($17.70/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $58,919 within 3-5 years.

Physical Therapist Assistants in San Antonio, TX earn a median hourly wage of $28.33 per hour. Hourly rates range from $17.70/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $42.32/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $36,811 and $88,020.

The median physical therapist assistant salary of $58,919 in San Antonio, TX is slightly below the national median of $64,480 (8.6% lower). The cost of living is also 8% below average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of physical therapist assistants in the area earn more and half earn less.

Physical Therapist Assistants in San Antonio, TX earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $58,919 is 8.6% lower than the national median of $64,480. The cost of living is also 8% below average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $63,765.

The top 10% of physical therapist assistants in San Antonio, TX earn $88,020 or more per year ($42.32/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $71,097, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.

Key skills that can boost physical therapist assistant salary in San Antonio, TX include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $58,919, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($71,097) or higher. Years of relevant experience

San Antonio, TX has a specialized job market for physical therapist assistants, with approximately 137 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $58,919 is slightly below the national average. The cost of living is also 8% below average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.

Compare your physical therapist assistant salary to these San Antonio, TX benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $36,811, 25th percentile: $49,696, 50th percentile (median): $58,919, 75th percentile: $71,097, 90th percentile (top earners): $88,020. If you earn more than $58,919, you're above average for the area.

Beyond the $58,919 median base salary, physical therapist assistants in San Antonio, TX typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.

Experienced physical therapist assistants with 5-10 years in San Antonio, TX typically earn $71,097 (75th percentile) to $88,020 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $88,020. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $58,919.

Physical Therapist Assistants in San Antonio, TX can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($36,811) to median ($58,919) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($88,020) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $51,209 over a career.

Data Source & Methodology

Official government statistics you can trust

Primary Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program

Visit Official BLS Website

Data Year

2024

2 Years Old

Geographic Area

San Antonio-New Braunfels

Metropolitan Statistical Area

Occupation Code

31-2021

SOC Classification

Sample Size

137

Employees Surveyed

How This Data Is Collected

The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.

Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.

Last updated: January 23, 2026

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Physical Therapist Assistant in San Antonio, TX

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Median: $58,919/yr

How San Antonio, TX Compares

vs National Average

$64,480

-8.6%

vs Texas Average

$60,301

-2.3%

Cost-of-Living Adjusted

$63,765

+8.2%

Cost of living in San Antonio, TX is 7.6% below the national average.

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