Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $32.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Thornton, CO runs $32.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,968 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,783 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thornton, Colorado, the projected physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $32.68, which falls slightly below the national median of $33.77. This pay rate significantly impacts opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find positions in diverse settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health services. For part-time work at three days a week, PTAs can expect to earn varying amounts depending on their experience and employer type, with entry-level positions starting at around $21.49 and seasoned professionals potentially reaching up to $44.81 per hour. These figures indicate a balanced job market for physical therapist assistants in Thornton, highlighting the estimated hourly rates derived from annual salary projections.
About the Thornton 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) | $21.49 | $171.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.40 | $219.18 |
| Median (P50) | $32.68 | $261.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.92 | $311.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.81 | $358.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $32.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.68/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $67,971 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,214. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,307.14 | $5,664 | $67,971 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $784.28 | $3,399 | $40,783 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $522.85 | $2,266 | $27,188 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Thornton) | $32.68 |
| 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 Thornton, CO earn a median of $67,968 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.24% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $66,898.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.68/hr = $40,783/year (purchasing power: $38,841).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,971/year (purchasing power: $64,734).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Thornton grew 16.3% from $27.35/hr (2019) to $31.81/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.57/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 Thornton 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 Thornton
Working part-time, a PTA clocking 24 hours weekly at the median rate could see a significant annual take-home compared to full-time workers, although the trade-offs in benefits can be substantial. Per-diem and locum PTAs in Thornton earn between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel contracts offering robust weekly pay ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. Various employer types, from private outpatient clinics to skilled nursing facilities, also dictate hourly rates; while some agencies may offer lower wages, they often provide essential benefits that full-time staff seek. As staffing needs continue to evolve, particularly post the 15% Medicare cuts that affected reimbursement rates in many settings, PTAs may find themselves negotiating for hours and salaries. It's vital for professionals to prioritize not just hourly rates but also the full compensation package, including health benefits, when determining their path in this competitive field.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Thornton in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Thornton?
Are physical therapist assistants in Thornton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Thornton?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Thornton?
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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 Thornton. 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 Thornton 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