Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Tucson, AZ: $32.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Tucson, AZ runs $32.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,001 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Tucson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.9, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,206 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tucson, AZ, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay currently stands at $32.22, which is slightly below the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate offers a competitive compensation structure for those working as part-time assistants, typically clocking in around three days a week, which would yield a stable income for many professionals. Per-diem workers, whose positions require flexibility and typically involve various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits, can find solid work opportunities in Tucson. The hourly pay range for physical therapist assistants in the area stretches from $22.10 at entry-level positions to $38.86 for top earners, allowing for a diverse earning potential based on experience and workplace environment. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, ensuring accuracy in reflecting the evolving landscape of this vital profession.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.10 | $176.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.58 | $228.64 |
| Median (P50) | $32.22 | $257.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.67 | $293.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.86 | $310.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tucson
Based on $32.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.22/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tucson, AZ can expect to earn approximately $67,010 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,659. With a cost-of-living index of 96.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tucson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tucson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,288.65 | $5,584 | $67,010 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $773.19 | $3,350 | $40,206 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.46 | $2,234 | $26,804 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Tucson) | $32.22 |
| 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 Tucson, AZ earn a median of $67,001 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.62% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $66,734.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.22/hr = $40,206/year (purchasing power: $41,494).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,010/year (purchasing power: $69,156).
CoL index: 96.896 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+97.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tucson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tucson grew 87.2% from $16.75/hr (2019) to $31.36/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.10/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 Tucson 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 Tucson
Beyond the straightforward hourly wage, a part-time physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week would earn about $40,025 annually if they maintained their scheduled shifts. In contrast, some per diem physical therapist assistants in Tucson command pay rates of $32 to $48 per hour, depending on their specific contracts. This employment route can be lucrative, especially for those considering travel assignments paid at $1,200 to $1,800 weekly; however, it's important to note that recently implemented Medicare cuts have led to decreased pay in many skilled nursing facility roles. The hourly rates for physical therapist assistants also fluctuate across various employer types in Tucson, including outpatient orthopedic clinics, home health agencies, and pediatric therapy practices. Many professionals may face a choice between lower hourly pay with comprehensive benefits or higher rates without supplemental coverage. Negotiating effectively, particularly for hours worked in skilled settings and travel contracts, could lead to improved pay rates and conditions tailored to individual needs and preferences.
More salary data for Tucson, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tucson in 2026?
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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 Tucson. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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