Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Erie, CO: $31.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Erie, CO runs $31.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,212 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,731 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Erie, Colorado, the projected physical therapist assistant hourly pay in 2026 stands at $31.84, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This rate can significantly impact part-time and per-diem workers, especially those employed at outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. With entry-level positions starting around $22.64 and experienced physical therapist assistants reaching up to $39.40 per hour, this diverse range allows individuals to choose between various settings and work arrangements. The hourly rates derived from annual salary projections indicate that PTAs can find flexible job opportunities that suit their lifestyle while contributing to patient rehabilitation in diverse environments across Erie, CO.
About the Erie 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) | $22.64 | $181.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.93 | $223.46 |
| Median (P50) | $31.84 | $254.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.59 | $284.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.40 | $315.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $31.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.84/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, CO can expect to earn approximately $66,219 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,203. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,273.44 | $5,518 | $66,219 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.06 | $3,311 | $39,731 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.38 | $2,207 | $26,488 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Erie) | $31.84 |
| 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 Erie, CO earn a median of $66,212 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.74% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $66,948.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.84/hr = $39,731/year (purchasing power: $37,839).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,219/year (purchasing power: $63,066).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Erie grew 16.3% from $26.64/hr (2019) to $30.99/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.71/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 Erie 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 Erie
Examining the financial implications for part-time physical therapist assistants, those working three days a week can expect a take-home pay of approximately $49,797 yearly, given their hourly structure. On the other hand, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Erie often fluctuates between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel contracts providing even higher weekly earnings that can range from $1,200 to $1,800. However, rates can vary widely depending on the employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offering competitive rates, while skilled nursing facilities may provide lower pay due to recent Medicare cuts affecting reimbursement for PTA services. While some PTAs might accept lower hourly rates for the sake of included benefits such as health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay with less stability. Understanding these factors can significantly influence negotiation strategies and career choices within the profession in Erie.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Erie in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Erie?
Are physical therapist assistants in Erie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Erie?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Erie?
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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 Erie. 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 Erie 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