Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Hoover, AL: $30.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Hoover, AL runs $30.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,718 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Hoover's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,231 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hoover, Alabama, the projected physical therapist assistant hourly pay is $30.63, which reflects a 2.73% growth rate from previous years. When compared to the national hourly median of $33.77, it positions the local pay slightly below the national average. This rate is significant for part-time and per-diem workers, as many professionals in this field opt for flexible schedules at outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or even through home health agencies. The hourly pay range spans from $21.25 for entry-level positions to as high as $40.19 for experienced practitioners in specialized settings. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and suggest that skilled physical therapist assistants in Hoover can find opportunities across various environments, making proper negotiation critical, particularly when benefits are factored into compensation packages.
About the Hoover 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) | $21.25 | $170.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.46 | $211.71 |
| Median (P50) | $30.63 | $245.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.44 | $283.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.19 | $321.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hoover
Based on $30.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.63/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hoover, AL can expect to earn approximately $63,719 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,761. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hoover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hoover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,225.36 | $5,310 | $63,719 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $735.22 | $3,186 | $38,231 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.15 | $2,124 | $25,488 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Hoover) | $30.63 |
| 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 Hoover, AL earn a median of $63,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.29% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.00% above the Alabama state average of $63,087.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.63/hr = $38,231/year (purchasing power: $43,494).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,719/year (purchasing power: $72,490).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hoover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Hoover grew 16.3% from $25.64/hr (2019) to $29.82/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.47/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 Hoover 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 Hoover
For those considering part-time roles, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week, or 24 hours total, can still see a respectable take-home income, although it would naturally fall short of full-time earnings. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Hoover tends to range from $32 to $48 per hour, presenting a lucrative option for those willing to take on flexible assignments. Travel physical therapist assistant contracts often pull in between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly, making these positions especially appealing for those seeking higher income in the face of Medicare cuts. It’s worth noting that compensation varies substantially between employer types: outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies offer different pay scales. While some may accept lower hourly rates for the stability of benefits, others might prioritize hourly earnings without benefits. Effective negotiation becomes essential in this context, as many facilities across Hoover are willing to discuss hourly rates based on skill level and specialization.
More salary data for Hoover, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Hoover in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Hoover?
Are physical therapist assistants in Hoover paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Hoover?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hoover?
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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 Hoover. 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 Hoover 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