Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CO: $32.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Lakewood, CO runs $32.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,969 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,180 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, Colorado, physical therapist assistants can expect a median hourly rate of $32.20. This figure is slightly lower than the national median of $33.77, indicating a competitive but nuanced local market. For those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, the flexibility might be appealing, particularly in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. The hourly pay range for physical therapist assistants in Lakewood spans from $22.96 for entry-level positions to up to $43.26 for those at the top of their field, reflecting the diverse professional pathways and potential for growth. Understanding these hourly rates is crucial for effective budgeting and financial planning for either full-time or per-diem positions.
About the Lakewood 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) | $22.96 | $183.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.34 | $226.75 |
| Median (P50) | $32.20 | $257.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.72 | $301.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.26 | $346.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $32.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.20/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CO can expect to earn approximately $66,967 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,635. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,287.82 | $5,581 | $66,967 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $772.69 | $3,348 | $40,180 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.13 | $2,232 | $26,787 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Lakewood) | $32.20 |
| 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 Lakewood, CO earn a median of $66,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.67% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $66,902.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.20/hr = $40,180/year (purchasing power: $38,267).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,967/year (purchasing power: $63,778).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lakewood grew 16.3% from $26.94/hr (2019) to $31.34/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.07/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Focusing on the part-time earning potential, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week in Lakewood would generate an annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts, illustrating the trade-offs inherent in part-time roles. Conversely, per diem physical therapist assistants typically receive hourly wages in the range of $32 to $48, with many choosing agency work for its flexibility. For those considering contracts, weekly payments in travel PTA roles can reach between $1,200 and $1,800, but the challenges associated with staffing shortages and shifting Medicare reimbursements may affect both job stability and hourly pay. In Lakewood, varying employer types can influence earnings substantially; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities may offer different compensation rates. Understanding the benefits of stable employment versus higher hourly wages without benefits is essential for PTAs, particularly in light of the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements affecting many settings since 2022. When negotiating, it’s wise for physical therapist assistants to advocate for competitive rates while also assessing the value of health insurance and other benefits that might come with lower hourly pay.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Lakewood?
Are physical therapist assistants in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Lakewood?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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