Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Steamboat Springs, CO: $30.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Steamboat Springs, CO runs $30.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,102 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Steamboat Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,860 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Steamboat Springs, Colorado, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $30.34. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $33.77, highlighting a regional discrepancy that may influence job seekers. For those considering part-time roles, such as a typical three-day workweek, this pay structure translates into a significant commitment, even in common settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. The hourly pay ranges from $21.52 for entry-level positions to as much as $38.20 for experienced practitioners, offering a spectrum for professionals at varying stages of their careers. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary data and reflect the local market dynamics for physical therapist assistants in various healthcare environments.
About the Steamboat Springs 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) | $21.52 | $172.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.28 | $226.25 |
| Median (P50) | $30.34 | $242.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.48 | $267.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.20 | $305.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Steamboat Springs
Based on $30.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.34/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Steamboat Springs, CO can expect to earn approximately $63,099 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,403. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Steamboat Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Steamboat Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,213.45 | $5,258 | $63,099 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $728.07 | $3,155 | $37,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.38 | $2,103 | $25,240 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Steamboat Springs) | $30.34 |
| 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 Steamboat Springs, CO earn a median of $63,102 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.17% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.70% below the Colorado state average of $66,916.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.34/hr = $37,860/year (purchasing power: $36,057).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,099/year (purchasing power: $60,095).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Steamboat Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Steamboat Springs grew 16.3% from $25.39/hr (2019) to $29.53/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.16/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 Steamboat 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 Steamboat Springs
Exploring the financial landscape for physical therapist assistants can reveal diverse earning potential, especially for those choosing part-time work. A physical therapist assistant working three days a week, or 24 hours, would typically take home about $37,212 annually, which offers a stark contrast to full-time earnings. The reality for per-diem physical therapist assistants in Steamboat Springs also warrants consideration; those in this role can bill $32 to $48 per hour, and travel contracts may yield between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly, although the recent Medicare cuts have resulted in reduced agency PTA pay in skilled nursing facilities. Hourly rates fluctuate significantly across employer types, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often providing competitive offers compared to hospitals and home health agencies. Many physical therapist assistants weigh the benefits of lower hourly pay against the security of health insurance, thus affecting negotiation strategies. When discussing compensation, focusing on the total value of an hourly position, including benefits and working conditions, can lead to better outcomes in salary discussions.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Steamboat Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Steamboat Springs?
Are physical therapist assistants in Steamboat Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Steamboat Springs?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Steamboat Springs?
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 Steamboat 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
Salary data for Steamboat Springs 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