Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Peoria, AZ: $32.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Peoria, AZ runs $32.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,212 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Peoria's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,924 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Peoria, Arizona, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $32.79. This figure is slightly below the national median of $33.77 per hour, reflecting the local economic conditions and cost of living. For physical therapist assistants working in typical settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health, this hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time positions. For part-time workers committed to a schedule of three days a week, the earnings can average out to lower overall take-home pay compared to full-time colleagues. The hourly pay range for these professionals spans from $21.89 at the lower end of the scale to $45.39 for top earners. These numbers, derived from annual salary estimates, emphasize the variety of compensation levels based on experience and workplace setting.
About the Peoria 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) | $21.89 | $175.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.74 | $221.90 |
| Median (P50) | $32.79 | $262.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.32 | $298.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.39 | $363.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Peoria
Based on $32.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.79/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Peoria, AZ can expect to earn approximately $68,206 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,350. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Peoria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Peoria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,311.66 | $5,684 | $68,206 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $786.99 | $3,410 | $40,924 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.66 | $2,274 | $27,282 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Peoria) | $32.79 |
| 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 Peoria, AZ earn a median of $68,212 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.90% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.20% above the Arizona state average of $66,743.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.79/hr = $40,924/year (purchasing power: $41,547).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,206/year (purchasing power: $69,245).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Peoria grew 16.3% from $27.44/hr (2019) to $31.92/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.69/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 Peoria 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 Peoria
The earning potential varies significantly for those considering part-time work as physical therapist assistants in Peoria. A PTA working three days a week for a total of 24 hours can expect to take home around $40,000 annually, significantly less than the income of full-time PTAs. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Peoria tends to range between $32 and $48 per hour, making it an attractive option for individuals looking to maximize flexibility. Contract positions in travel or agency work can yield even higher payments, with weekly rates between $1,200 and $1,800. Different employer types, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies, can influence hourly rates, with some offering lower pay in exchange for health benefits. Navigating these choices often involves weighing hourly compensation against job security and benefits. To negotiate effectively, candidates are encouraged to research local averages, understand employer needs, and articulate the value they bring to potential employers in Peoria, AZ.
More salary data for Peoria, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Peoria in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Peoria?
Are physical therapist assistants in Peoria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Peoria?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Peoria?
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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 Peoria. 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 Peoria 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