Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Dover, DE: $37.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Dover, DE runs $37.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,643 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Dover's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.5, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,590 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dover, Delaware, physical therapist assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $37.33. This figure is approximately 10.53% higher than the national hourly median of $33.77, reflecting a favorable position for PTA professionals in the region. For those working part-time, such as those on a three-day workweek schedule, this hourly rate can lead to a solid income from various employment settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. Entry-level PTAs may start at around $17.88 per hour, while the top earners in Dover can make as much as $44.60, thereby highlighting a diverse pay range in the field. These statistics are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, which offers a clear picture of the local market for physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Dover.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.88 | $143.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.43 | $243.43 |
| Median (P50) | $37.33 | $298.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.04 | $304.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.60 | $356.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dover
Based on $37.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.33/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dover, DE can expect to earn approximately $77,651 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,798. With a cost-of-living index of 97.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,493.28 | $6,471 | $77,651 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $895.97 | $3,883 | $46,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $597.31 | $2,588 | $31,060 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Dover) | $37.33 |
| 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 Dover, DE earn a median of $77,643 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.53% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 8.70% above the Delaware state average of $71,429.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.33/hr = $46,590/year (purchasing power: $47,782).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,651/year (purchasing power: $79,636).
CoL index: 97.507 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Dover grew 5.6% from $34.42/hr (2019) to $36.34/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.35/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 Dover 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 Dover
Shifting focus to the practical aspects of earning potential, part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual income of around $46,480, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For those considering per diem roles, agency contracts typically vary, with per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Dover ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, fostering flexibility for workers who desire variable schedules. Travel contracts can be lucrative, offering pay between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly, though these opportunities can be competitive. The type of employer also influences hourly rates, with outpatient clinics often providing higher pay than skilled nursing facilities, especially in light of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts that have affected PTA wages in settings reliant on Medicare. Higher hourly wages may come without health benefits, prompting PTAs to weigh their options carefully. Negotiation strategies should emphasize the local cost of living and the demand for skilled PTAs in Dover, aiding professionals in achieving favorable pay packages.
More salary data for Dover, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Dover in 2026?
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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 Dover. 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, 6-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