Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Pueblo, CO: $32.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Pueblo, CO runs $32.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,771 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Pueblo's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,667 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for physical therapists assistants in Pueblo, Colorado, is projected to be $32.59. This rate is slightly below the national median of $33.77, indicating a minor discrepancy that could influence local job attractiveness for prospective PTAs. For those working part-time or per-diem, particularly in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health, this hourly rate translates into a potential earnings capacity that could suit a flexibly scheduled lifestyle. The hourly range for PTAs in Pueblo spans from $23.35 at the entry level to $47.52 for top earners, reflecting the significant variance depending on experience and workplace context. These figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, providing a reliable benchmark for those considering this career path.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.35 | $186.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.22 | $217.79 |
| Median (P50) | $32.59 | $260.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.29 | $314.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.52 | $380.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pueblo
Based on $32.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.59/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pueblo, CO can expect to earn approximately $67,779 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,103. With a cost-of-living index of 91.76 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pueblo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pueblo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,303.44 | $5,648 | $67,779 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $782.06 | $3,389 | $40,667 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $521.38 | $2,259 | $27,112 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Pueblo) | $32.59 |
| 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 Pueblo, CO earn a median of $67,771 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.52% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.30% above the Colorado state average of $66,901.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.59/hr = $40,667/year (purchasing power: $44,318).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,779/year (purchasing power: $73,864).
CoL index: 91.762 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pueblo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pueblo grew 23.1% from $25.76/hr (2019) to $31.72/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.48/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 Pueblo 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 Pueblo
Evaluating the earnings of part-time physical therapist assistants reveals distinct financial outcomes compared to full-time positions. Assuming a three-day work week, a PTA working 24 hours could expect to take home around $41,000 annually, considerably less than a full-time counterpart. For per-diem practitioners, rates generally fluctuate between $32 and $48 an hour, which allows for both flexibility and higher wages, particularly in travel contracts where weekly earnings can soar to $1,200-$1,800. It's also worth noting that as the Medicare reimbursement cuts continue to affect skilled nursing facilities significantly, some agencies are offering lowered per diem rates, challenging financial stability for many PTAs. Overall, salary expectations can vary widely based on employer type—outpatient clinics may offer competitive hourly rates, while those in schools or rehabilitation facilities may face different challenges in negotiation. Understanding the trade-off between hourly pay and benefits is crucial; some PTAs might settle for lower pay in exchange for health coverage and stability, granting them peace of mind in an evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Pueblo, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pueblo in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Pueblo?
Are physical therapist assistants in Pueblo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Pueblo?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pueblo?
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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 Pueblo. 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