Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Mobile, AL: $30.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Mobile, AL runs $30.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,107 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Mobile's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.1, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,860 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Physical therapist assistants in Mobile, Alabama, can expect a median hourly pay of $30.34, which falls below the national median of $33.77. This figure reflects the earnings potential for part-time positions that typically feature flexible schedules, such as three days per week, making this a viable option for those seeking a work-life balance. For per-diem physical therapist assistants, the hourly pay varies based on assignment types and locations, adding to the earning potential. At the bottom end of the pay scale, entry-level positions can start at approximately $25.70, while the upper echelon of earners in Mobile can see hourly rates rise to around $38.62. These figures are derived from official BLS hourly data and provide a comprehensive understanding of the earning opportunities in this field.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.70 | $205.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.27 | $218.20 |
| Median (P50) | $30.34 | $242.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.58 | $284.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.62 | $308.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mobile
Based on $30.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.34/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mobile, AL can expect to earn approximately $63,099 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,403. With a cost-of-living index of 88.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mobile.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mobile
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,213.45 | $5,258 | $63,099 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $728.07 | $3,155 | $37,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.38 | $2,103 | $25,240 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Mobile) | $30.34 |
| 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 Mobile, AL earn a median of $63,107 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.16% lower than the national median of $70,247.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.34/hr = $37,860/year (purchasing power: $42,974).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,099/year (purchasing power: $71,624).
CoL index: 88.098 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Mobile (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Mobile grew 4.1% from $28.38/hr (2019) to $29.53/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.16/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 Mobile 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 Mobile
Examining the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants, those working three days a week can expect to take home a respectable income, though it will be less than a full-time employee's earnings. Per-diem physical therapist assistants often see hourly rates ranging from $32 to $48, offering an attractive option for seasoned professionals willing to prioritize flexibility over stability. However, the landscape can shift; travel contracts usually provide a weekly compensation of $1,200 to $1,800, but the decline of premiums due to recent Medicare cuts has impacted skilled nursing facility hirings. Different employer types in Mobile, from outpatient clinics to home health agencies, can offer varied hourly rates influenced by benefit packages. Some may choose lower hourly rates for the security of benefits, while others may opt for higher pay without fringe benefits. Aspiring PTAs in Mobile should consider negotiating their pay structure based on their career goals and financial needs, seeking clarity on compensation and benefits to find the most favorable arrangement.
More salary data for Mobile, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Mobile in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Mobile?
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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 Mobile. 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