Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Huntsville, AL: $30.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Huntsville, AL runs $30.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,532 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Huntsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,513 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Huntsville, Alabama is projected to reach $30.06, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate is significant for those who prefer flexible work schedules, such as part-time professionals who might work three days a week in diverse settings—including outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities. The hourly range extends from $25.72 for entry-level positions to $39.60 for the highest earners, reflecting the variety in skill levels and settings. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, illustrating what physical therapist assistants can expect in terms of earnings throughout Huntsville.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.72 | $205.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.86 | $230.85 |
| Median (P50) | $30.06 | $240.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.55 | $292.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.60 | $316.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntsville
Based on $30.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.06/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntsville, AL can expect to earn approximately $62,522 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,071. With a cost-of-living index of 93.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,202.35 | $5,210 | $62,522 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.41 | $3,126 | $37,513 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $480.94 | $2,084 | $25,009 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Huntsville) | $30.06 |
| 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 Huntsville, AL earn a median of $62,532 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% below the Alabama state average of $63,100.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.06/hr = $37,513/year (purchasing power: $40,306).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,522/year (purchasing power: $67,176).
CoL index: 93.072 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+8.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Huntsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Huntsville grew 2.5% from $28.54/hr (2019) to $29.26/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.88/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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville
When considering part-time work, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week could earn around $37,000 annually, providing a solid income while maintaining flexibility. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Huntsville commonly falls between $32 and $48 per hour, particularly advantageous for those seeking a few extra shifts or who prefer to work on an as-needed basis. However, earnings can fluctuate significantly depending on the type of employer; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer competitive rates, while skilled nursing facilities might provide less due to recent Medicare cuts affecting reimbursements. It’s essential for physical therapist assistants to weigh their options between higher hourly rates without benefits compared to slightly lower rates that may include health insurance. Those in Huntsville can benefit from negotiation tactics focused on flexible scheduling, additional certifications, and agency preferences to maximize their compensation and career satisfaction.
More salary data for Huntsville, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Huntsville in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Huntsville?
Are physical therapist assistants in Huntsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Huntsville?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Huntsville?
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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 Huntsville. 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