Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in El Mirage, AZ: $31.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in El Mirage, AZ runs $31.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,713 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against El Mirage's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,834 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in El Mirage, Arizona, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $31.12. This figure is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.77, suggesting unique local economic conditions at play. For those working part-time, such as in outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities, this translates into roughly $936 weekly for a typical three-day work schedule. Entry-level positions can expect to earn around $21.21, while more experienced professionals may reach upwards of $40.28 per hour. These rates provide a broad understanding of what physical therapist assistants can expect in various caregiving settings across El Mirage, with salaries derived from annual projections adjusted into hourly formats.
About the El Mirage 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) | $21.21 | $169.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.42 | $227.32 |
| Median (P50) | $31.12 | $248.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.86 | $286.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.28 | $322.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Mirage
Based on $31.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.12/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Mirage, AZ can expect to earn approximately $64,723 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,340. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in El Mirage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Mirage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,244.68 | $5,394 | $64,723 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $746.81 | $3,236 | $38,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.87 | $2,157 | $25,889 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (El Mirage) | $31.12 |
| 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 El Mirage, AZ earn a median of $64,713 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.88% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.00% below the Arizona state average of $66,714.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.12/hr = $38,834/year (purchasing power: $39,425).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,723/year (purchasing power: $65,709).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in El Mirage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in El Mirage grew 16.3% from $26.04/hr (2019) to $30.29/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.97/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 El Mirage 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 El Mirage
Exploring the financial realities for part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants reveals diverse earning potentials in El Mirage. A PTA working 24 hours weekly might take home approximately $48,000 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time positions. Per-diem physical therapist assistants commonly earn between $32 and $48 per hour, and travel PTA contracts can range from $1,200 to $1,800 per week, providing lucrative opportunities for those willing to work on an as-needed basis. However, hourly rates can differ significantly across employer types in El Mirage, particularly between outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. Some physical therapist assistants may elect to prioritize health benefits over higher hourly pay, reflecting individual needs and career preferences. Negotiating effectively in El Mirage's job market requires an understanding of these dynamics, as PTAs must balance the pros and cons of hourly pay against the security of employment benefits.
More salary data for El Mirage, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in El Mirage in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in El Mirage?
Are physical therapist assistants in El Mirage paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in El Mirage?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in El Mirage?
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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 El Mirage. 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 El Mirage 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