Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Hot Springs, AR: $31.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Hot Springs, AR runs $31.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,008 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Hot Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,001 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hot Springs, Arkansas, the median physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $31.25 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $33.77/hr. This hourly rate offers robust earning potential for part-time workers, such as those in outpatient clinics or home health settings, who typically work about three days a week. For these professionals, the pay translates into a solid income while allowing for flexibility in scheduling. Entry-level PTAs may start at $15.41/hr, while more experienced practitioners can earn up to $38.49/hr, creating a clear opportunity for career advancement. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, illustrate the income range available for physical therapist assistants in various settings in Hot Springs, AR.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.41 | $123.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.43 | $195.43 |
| Median (P50) | $31.25 | $250.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.02 | $296.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.49 | $307.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hot Springs
Based on $31.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.25/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hot Springs, AR can expect to earn approximately $65,001 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,501. With a cost-of-living index of 85.73 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hot Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hot Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,250.02 | $5,417 | $65,001 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $750.01 | $3,250 | $39,001 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.01 | $2,167 | $26,000 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Hot Springs) | $31.25 |
| 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 Hot Springs, AR earn a median of $65,008 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.46% lower than the national median of $70,247.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.25/hr = $39,001/year (purchasing power: $45,492).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,001/year (purchasing power: $75,821).
CoL index: 85.73 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hot Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Hot Springs grew 6.9% from $28.45/hr (2019) to $30.42/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.10/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 Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs
Considering the financial implications, part-time PTA earnings in Hot Springs present an interesting picture. A physical therapist assistant working a 24-hour weekly schedule can expect to take home around $39,000 annually, contrasting with full-time earnings that significantly exceed this amount. Meanwhile, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Hot Springs ranges from $32 to $48/hr, offering flexibility that many professionals find appealing. However, it's worth acknowledging the impact of the 15% Medicare cut that has affected PTA positions in skilled nursing facilities, particularly in Medicare-reliant environments where agency pay might dip. Hourly rates can greatly vary based on the employer type; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer different compensation compared to hospital settings or pediatric therapy programs. Physical therapist assistants in Hot Springs must also weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly rates without associated benefits, making thoughtful negotiation skills essential for maximizing their overall compensation.
More salary data for Hot Springs, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Hot Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Hot Springs?
Are physical therapist assistants in Hot Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Hot Springs?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hot Springs?
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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 Hot Springs. 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