Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbus, GA: $30.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Columbus, GA runs $30.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,114 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,475 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Georgia, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $30.83 for 2026, which is somewhat lower than the national median of $33.77 per hour. This rate can significantly influence the financial prospects for PTAs working part-time, such as those taking on three-day workweeks, or those seeking per-diem opportunities. In typical employment settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health visits, this hourly wage can lead to diverse income possibilities. The entry-level pay is estimated at around $14.21 per hour, while experienced professionals, particularly in specialized areas, can potentially earn up to $40.48 per hour according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.21 | $113.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.91 | $191.24 |
| Median (P50) | $30.83 | $246.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.12 | $304.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.48 | $323.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $30.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.83/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, GA can expect to earn approximately $64,125 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,995. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,233.17 | $5,344 | $64,125 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $739.90 | $3,206 | $38,475 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $493.27 | $2,137 | $25,650 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Columbus) | $30.83 |
| 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 Columbus, GA earn a median of $64,114 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.73% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.80% below the Georgia state average of $68,061.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.83/hr = $38,475/year (purchasing power: $43,087).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,125/year (purchasing power: $71,812).
CoL index: 89.296 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Columbus grew 8.4% from $27.68/hr (2019) to $30.01/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.67/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Looking at the earning potential, a physical therapist assistant working part-time (about 24 hours per week) can expect a more modest income compared to their full-time counterparts. This means earning less annually while maintaining flexibility that some prefer. For per-diem roles, the pay can typically range from $32 to $48 an hour, proving lucrative for flexible workers willing to take on shifts as needed. Different employment settings also yield varying rates; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics might pay differently than skilled nursing facilities, particularly following the recent 15% Medicare cut affecting reimbursements that has pressured pay scales, particularly in SNFs. PTAs may need to weigh the advantages of a higher hourly wage against the benefits of stable employment with health insurance. Those negotiating their pay in the Columbus area should be aware of the local market and articulate their value based on experience and specialties, especially as they consider the implications of the current Medicare reimbursement landscape.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Columbus?
Are physical therapist assistants in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Columbus?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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