Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Centennial, CO: $32.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Centennial, CO runs $32.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,718 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Centennial's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,629 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Centennial, Colorado, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $32.56, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly pay of $33.77. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, or opting for per-diem positions, this wage provides a substantial income while enjoying flexibility. Typical work environments include outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings, where the hourly compensation ranges from $21.59 for entry-level positions to $44.96 for the most experienced practitioners. It's essential to recognize that these figures are estimates based on projected annual salary data, giving a clear depiction of what physical therapist assistants can expect in terms of their hourly earnings throughout the year.
About the Centennial Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.59 | $172.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.44 | $219.51 |
| Median (P50) | $32.56 | $260.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.89 | $295.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.96 | $359.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Centennial
Based on $32.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.56/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Centennial, CO can expect to earn approximately $67,715 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,066. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Centennial.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Centennial
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,302.21 | $5,643 | $67,715 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $781.32 | $3,386 | $40,629 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $520.88 | $2,257 | $27,086 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Centennial) | $32.56 |
| 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 Centennial, CO earn a median of $67,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.60% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.20% above the Colorado state average of $66,915.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.56/hr = $40,629/year (purchasing power: $38,694).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,715/year (purchasing power: $64,490).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Centennial (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Centennial grew 16.3% from $27.25/hr (2019) to $31.69/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.44/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 Centennial 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 Centennial
When considering the financial implications of part-time work, a physical therapist assistant in Centennial working three days a week, which translates to approximately 24 hours, would earn around $40,000 annually. For those pursuing per diem roles, pay ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts offering higher earnings of $1,200 to $1,800 per week. However, the recent 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement has strained pay rates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, compelling some professionals to balance accepting lower hourly rates with accompanying benefits like health insurance. Employer types also affect compensation; outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to pay higher than skilled nursing facilities or hospitals. Thus, negotiating the right hourly rate is crucial for physical therapist assistants in this evolving job market in Centennial, CO.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Centennial in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Centennial?
Are physical therapist assistants in Centennial paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Centennial?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Centennial?
Related Pages
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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 Centennial. 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 Centennial 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