Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in San Tan Valley, AZ: $32.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in San Tan Valley, AZ runs $32.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,104 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against San Tan Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,257 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Tan Valley, Arizona, physical therapist assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $32.26, slightly below the national figure of $33.77. This hourly rate is meaningful for both part-time workers, who might find consistent employment three days a week in outpatient clinics, and per-diem professionals who typically work in a variety of settings such as skilled nursing facilities or home health visits. For those just starting in the field, the hourly pay can begin as low as $22.16, while experienced PTAs may command rates up to $40.78. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, translating directly to tangible weekly earnings for individuals seeking flexibility in their work schedules or additional contractual hours in private and institutional settings.
About the San Tan Valley 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) | $22.16 | $177.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.93 | $231.43 |
| Median (P50) | $32.26 | $258.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.50 | $292.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.78 | $326.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Tan Valley
Based on $32.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.26/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Tan Valley, AZ can expect to earn approximately $67,095 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,709. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Tan Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Tan Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,290.29 | $5,591 | $67,095 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $774.17 | $3,355 | $40,257 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $516.12 | $2,237 | $26,838 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (San Tan Valley) | $32.26 |
| 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 San Tan Valley, AZ earn a median of $67,104 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.47% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.50% above the Arizona state average of $66,770.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.26/hr = $40,257/year (purchasing power: $40,870).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,095/year (purchasing power: $68,117).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in San Tan Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in San Tan Valley grew 16.3% from $27.00/hr (2019) to $31.40/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.14/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 San Tan Valley 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 San Tan Valley
For part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours a week, the earnings could translate into an annual take-home amount significantly less than a full-time position, showcasing the variation in financial stability that part-time work can present. Per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in San Tan Valley ranges from roughly $32 to $48 per hour, depending on the contract and specific setting, giving flexibility but often lacking consistent benefits. Travel PTA contracts can yield weekly earnings between $1,200 and $1,800, allowing for potentially higher short-term pay compared to traditional roles, although skilled nursing facility agency rates may have dropped due to recent Medicare cuts. Different employer types provide varying pay structures, with outpatient orthopedic clinics possibly paying better than hospital or school settings. It's essential for physical therapist assistants to consider their long-term goals; some may prefer higher hourly wages without benefits, while others may opt for lower rates that include essential health insurance. When negotiating offers, PTAs in San Tan Valley should consider both the financial and job satisfaction aspects to find a suitable balance for their career.
More salary data for San Tan Valley, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in San Tan Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in San Tan Valley?
Are physical therapist assistants in San Tan Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in San Tan Valley?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in San Tan Valley?
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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 San Tan Valley. 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 San Tan Valley 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