Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Dalton, GA: $32.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Dalton, GA runs $32.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,470 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Dalton's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.8, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,078 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dalton, Georgia, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $32.91, which is slightly below the national median of $33.77. This compensation allows for a practical livelihood, particularly for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, often a choice for flexibility in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. Those entering the field can expect to earn around $30.02 per hour, while experienced professionals or those in higher-paying settings may reach rates of up to $38.90. With just 30 PTAs employed in the area, the demand for skilled assistance in rehabilitation settings is consistent, reflecting a growth rate of 2.73% annually in this profession, making the hourly pay remain competitive for physical therapist assistants in 2026.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.02 | $240.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.24 | $241.95 |
| Median (P50) | $32.91 | $263.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.65 | $301.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.90 | $311.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dalton
Based on $32.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.91/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dalton, GA can expect to earn approximately $68,463 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,498. With a cost-of-living index of 89.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dalton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dalton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,316.59 | $5,705 | $68,463 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $789.95 | $3,423 | $41,078 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $526.64 | $2,282 | $27,385 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Dalton) | $32.91 |
| 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 Dalton, GA earn a median of $68,470 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.53% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.60% above the Georgia state average of $68,061.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.91/hr = $41,078/year (purchasing power: $45,721).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,463/year (purchasing power: $76,202).
CoL index: 89.844 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+1.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Dalton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Dalton grew -3.9% from $33.33/hr (2019) to $32.04/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.81/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 Dalton 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 Dalton
Analyzing the part-time income for a physical therapist assistant working three days a week reveals an annual take-home significantly lower than that of full-time employees. A PTA working 24 hours weekly might bring home around $41,000, spreading that income across fewer days. Conversely, per-diem and agency positions can see the pay fluctuate between $32 and $48 per hour, offering potentially higher earnings but less stability. Travel PTA contracts might yield weekly earnings of $1,200 to $1,800, though this fluctuates based on market demand and employer types. In Dalton, the pay varies widely depending on the setting; outpatient clinics might offer salaries on the lower end while skilled nursing facilities may provide less despite often requiring similar qualifications. Physical therapist assistants often face the decision of accepting decreased hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, which can make negotiation a critical skill. For those looking to increase their hourly compensation, highlighting specialized skills or flexibility in working hours can be advantageous when pursuing positions within this evolving market.
More salary data for Dalton, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Dalton. 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, 4-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