Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Auburn, AL: $29.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Auburn, AL runs $29.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,693 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,013 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, Alabama, physical therapist assistants earn an estimated median hourly rate of $29.66, which is lower than the national median of $33.77 for this role. This hourly pay reflects the economic landscape and the demand for PTAs in various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. For part-time workers, such as those who are scheduled for three days a week, this wage can make a significant difference. Entry-level PTAs in Auburn can expect to earn around $21.38 per hour, while established professionals may reach the higher end of the scale, with top earners making approximately $38.78 per hour. It’s essential for prospective PTAs to understand these figures based on projected 2026 data, as these will impact their financial planning and career decisions.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.38 | $171.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.25 | $209.98 |
| Median (P50) | $29.66 | $237.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.95 | $279.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.78 | $310.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $29.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.66/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, AL can expect to earn approximately $61,689 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,590. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,186.33 | $5,141 | $61,689 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $711.80 | $3,084 | $37,013 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.53 | $2,056 | $24,676 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Auburn) | $29.66 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Auburn, AL earn a median of $61,693 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.18% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.20% below the Alabama state average of $63,081.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.66/hr = $37,013/year (purchasing power: $42,109).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,689/year (purchasing power: $70,181).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+4.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Auburn grew -0.6% from $29.04/hr (2019) to $28.87/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.47/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Auburn
With the prospect of part-time work, a physical therapist assistant who works 24 hours per week will find their annual income significantly lower than that of full-time colleagues. Many PTAs working per diem positions in Auburn might see rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, depending on the specific demands and responsibilities of the job. Travel contracts for PTAs can offer substantial weekly pay, with figures often between $1,200 and $1,800. However, work in skilled nursing facilities can be challenging, especially after the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that took effect in 2022, which has caused some agencies to reduce pay for PTAs. Compensation may vary based on the setting; outpatient orthopedic clinics generally provide more competitive rates compared to home health or school therapy roles, where benefits—including health insurance—may entice some PTA professionals to accept a lower hourly rate. This trade-off highlights the importance of careful negotiation in a market where hourly pay can differ dramatically based on employer type and in the context of benefits.
More salary data for Auburn, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Auburn in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Auburn?
Are physical therapist assistants in Auburn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Auburn?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Auburn?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Auburn. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Auburn 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