Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Nogales, AZ: $30.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Nogales, AZ runs $30.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,872 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Nogales's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,719 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Nogales, Arizona, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $30.22 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly wage of $33.77, reflecting the local market conditions and cost of living, which sits at a cost index of 98.5. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate can provide a stable income, especially in varied settings like outpatient facilities and skilled nursing units. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in Nogales spans from $21.36 at the entry level to $36.18 for the highest earners. This range is estimated based on annual data but gives a clear picture of what to expect financially when entering the profession in this region.
About the Nogales 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) | $21.36 | $170.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.14 | $225.10 |
| Median (P50) | $30.22 | $241.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.28 | $266.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.18 | $289.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nogales
Based on $30.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.22/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nogales, AZ can expect to earn approximately $62,864 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,268. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nogales.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nogales
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,208.93 | $5,239 | $62,864 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $725.36 | $3,143 | $37,719 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.57 | $2,095 | $25,146 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Nogales) | $30.22 |
| 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 Nogales, AZ earn a median of $62,872 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.50% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.80% below the Arizona state average of $66,743.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.22/hr = $37,719/year (purchasing power: $38,293).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,864/year (purchasing power: $63,822).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Nogales (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Nogales grew 16.3% from $25.29/hr (2019) to $29.42/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.05/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 Nogales 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 Nogales
Considering part-time work strategies, a 24-hour work week for a physical therapist assistant can yield approximately $37,478 annually, which, while substantially lower than a full-time income, can still be fulfilling for individuals seeking work-life balance. Those taking on per diem positions often enjoy flexibility and higher earnings, with typical billing rates between $32 and $48 per hour. However, the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut has had a ripple effect on pay, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, where rates may have adjusted downward. In Nogales, hourly rates also vary according to employer types, with outpatient clinics often offering competitive pay compared to home health agencies or hospital rehab services. Many PTAs must negotiate between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower pay that comes with employer-provided health insurance, making the decision process complex. For those new to the market, leveraging negotiation skills can be vital for maximizing their physical therapist assistant hourly rate in AZ.
More salary data for Nogales, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Nogales in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Nogales?
Are physical therapist assistants in Nogales paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Nogales?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Nogales?
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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 Nogales. 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 Nogales 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