Tennessee ranks 26th of 51 states and D.C. for physical therapist assistants pay, trailing top-paying California ($79,410) by $16,490 — a 26% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $48,670 to $79,640 — a $30,970 spread, 26% tighter than the national $41,610 range.
Physical Therapist Assistants are more concentrated in Tennessee than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.37 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.37× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $48,670 | $23.40 |
| 25th percentile | $56,230 | $27.04 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,920 | $30.25 |
| 75th percentile | $74,710 | $35.92 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $79,640 | $38.29 |
| Mean (average) | $63,180 | $30.37 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $62,920 | n/a |
| California | $79,410 | +26% |
| Massachusetts | $77,780 | +24% |
| Alaska | $76,310 | +21% |
| Texas | $76,250 | +21% |
| New Jersey | $74,780 | +19% |
| Connecticut | $74,120 | +18% |
| Virginia | $73,900 | +17% |
| Nevada | $73,080 | +16% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $62,830 | 10,100 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $63,140 | 18,810 |
| Loan Officers | $63,160 | 7,610 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $62,630 | 1,470 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | $62,630 | 5,200 |
| Postal Service Clerks | $63,270 | 1,340 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist Assistants salary in Tennessee?
The mean physical therapist assistants salary in Tennessee is $63,180 per year. The median (middle) salary is $62,920 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Tennessee?
Entry-level physical therapist assistantss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $48,670 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $56,230 per year.
What is the highest Physical Therapist Assistants salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $79,640 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $74,710 per year.
How does the Tennessee Physical Therapist Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median physical therapist assistants salary in Tennessee is $62,920, which is -4% below national average of $65,510.