Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Dunwoody, GA: $31.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Dunwoody, GA runs $31.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,976 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Dunwoody's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,590 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Dunwoody, GA, is projected to be $31.72, slightly below the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This compensation is relevant for both those working part-time, such as three days a week in various clinical settings—like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health—and for per-diem positions, which often see varying pay rates. The hourly wage range for PTAs in Dunwoody spans from $22.46 at entry-level positions to $41.02 for experienced practitioners. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, illustrating a competitive yet regionally adjusted pay scale reflective of the local cost of living index, which stands at 93.1—evident of a below-average cost in comparison to the national average.
About the Dunwoody Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.46 | $179.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.05 | $216.39 |
| Median (P50) | $31.72 | $253.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.34 | $290.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.02 | $328.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dunwoody
Based on $31.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.72/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dunwoody, GA can expect to earn approximately $65,984 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,068. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dunwoody.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dunwoody
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,268.92 | $5,499 | $65,984 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $761.35 | $3,299 | $39,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.57 | $2,199 | $26,394 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Dunwoody) | $31.72 |
| 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 Dunwoody, GA earn a median of $65,976 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.08% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.10% below the Georgia state average of $68,087.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.72/hr = $39,590/year (purchasing power: $42,525).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,984/year (purchasing power: $70,874).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Dunwoody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Dunwoody grew 16.3% from $26.55/hr (2019) to $30.88/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.59/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 Dunwoody 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 Dunwoody
For part-time physical therapist assistants in Dunwoody working 24 hours a week, the take-home pay significantly impacts their annual earnings, making it essential to evaluate individual schedules against the competitive landscape of the job market. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Dunwoody typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, providing flexible earning opportunities, especially for those who prioritize varied experiences over stability. While travel PTA contracts can yield $1,200 to $1,800 per week, the effect of the 15% Medicare cut for PTA services, effective 2022, has put downward pressure on earnings in settings reliant on Medicare reimbursement. Hourly rates also vary based on healthcare settings; outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer better compensation compared to skilled nursing facilities, where rates have been compressed post-Medicare cuts. Physical therapist assistants often face a benefits trade-off, opting for lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance and job security. Negotiation strategies tailored for hourly workers in Dunwoody can include leveraging local data, demonstrating competencies, and understanding employer-specific funding patterns, all of which are vital in ensuring fair compensation in a recovering market.
More salary data for Dunwoody, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Dunwoody in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Dunwoody?
Are physical therapist assistants in Dunwoody paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Dunwoody?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Dunwoody?
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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 Dunwoody. 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 Dunwoody 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