Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Dothan, AL: $27.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Dothan, AL runs $27.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,683 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Dothan's regional price level (BEA RPP 83.8, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,616 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dothan, Alabama, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $27.74 in 2026, reflecting a discrepancy compared to the national hourly median of $33.77. For those working part-time or per-diem, this rate translates to a solid earning potential across various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. The hourly pay range for entry-level positions starts around $24.20, while experienced professionals can earn up to $35.51 per hour. The information provided is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, highlighting the opportunities and economic realities faced by physical therapist assistants in this region.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.20 | $193.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.75 | $197.98 |
| Median (P50) | $27.74 | $221.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.48 | $251.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.51 | $284.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dothan
Based on $27.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.74/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dothan, AL can expect to earn approximately $57,693 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,285. With a cost-of-living index of 83.83 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dothan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dothan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,109.48 | $4,808 | $57,693 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $665.69 | $2,885 | $34,616 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $443.79 | $1,923 | $23,077 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Dothan) | $27.74 |
| 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 Dothan, AL earn a median of $57,683 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.89% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 8.60% below the Alabama state average of $63,110.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.74/hr = $34,616/year (purchasing power: $41,291).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,693/year (purchasing power: $68,819).
CoL index: 83.833 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Dothan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Dothan grew 7.4% from $25.13/hr (2019) to $27.00/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.49/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 Dothan 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 Dothan
For those considering part-time work, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week may realistically earn around $34,596 annually based on their hourly wage, while full-time PTAs generally see a higher total income. Per-diem positions, particularly appealing to some, offer varying rates that can range from $32 to $48 per hour, depending on the facility and specific demands of the job. Travel contracts may yield even greater income, but the dynamic healthcare market has led to shifts; for example, premium pay for skilled nursing facility (SNF) work has declined since the 2022 Medicare cuts affected compensation. Those working in outpatient orthopedic clinics might find rates differing based on whether they are part of larger chains or private practices. It's important to weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates in settings providing health insurance against the potential higher rates in freelance positions lacking substantial benefits. Negotiating effectively in Dothan requires understanding these patterns and being clear about one's expectations.
More salary data for Dothan, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Dothan in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Dothan?
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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
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 Dothan. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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