Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in McDonough, GA: $31.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in McDonough, GA runs $31.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,627 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against McDonough's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,372 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in McDonough, Georgia, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $31.55, slightly lower than the national median of $33.77. This difference may affect part-time practitioners, especially those working three days a week, who could expect to earn a competitive rate while enjoying benefits like flexibility and work-life balance. For per-diem physical therapist assistants, typical settings include outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy spaces, offering an hourly pay range from $23.80 at entry-level positions to as much as $40.41 for those at the top of their field. These figures, derived from annual salary projections, highlight the potential income variability based on experience and employer type, creating a diverse landscape for prospective PTAs.
About the McDonough 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) | $23.80 | $190.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.59 | $228.72 |
| Median (P50) | $31.55 | $252.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.02 | $280.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.41 | $323.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McDonough
Based on $31.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.55/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McDonough, GA can expect to earn approximately $65,621 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,858. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in McDonough.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McDonough
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,261.94 | $5,468 | $65,621 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $757.16 | $3,281 | $39,372 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $504.77 | $2,187 | $26,248 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (McDonough) | $31.55 |
| 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 McDonough, GA earn a median of $65,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.58% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.60% below the Georgia state average of $68,078.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.55/hr = $39,372/year (purchasing power: $42,290).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,621/year (purchasing power: $70,484).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in McDonough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in McDonough grew 16.3% from $26.40/hr (2019) to $30.71/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.41/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 McDonough 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 McDonough
Considering the financial implications of part-time versus full-time work, a physical therapist assistant in McDonough working 24 hours a week could expect a significantly lower annual income than a full-time counterpart. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in McDonough typically falls between $32 to $48 per hour, creating income opportunities for those seeking flexibility in their schedules. In addition to this, travel PTA contracts can range from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly, offering lucrative options for those willing to take on short-term assignments. However, the impact of the 15% Medicare cut effective in 2022 is felt particularly in skilled nursing facilities, as agency PTA positions may see fluctuating pay rates. PTAs often have to consider their choice of employer: outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer higher hourly rates compared to facilities that provide health insurance benefits, forcing them to weigh immediate compensation against long-term security. Negotiating pay, particularly at small practices, involves articulating value clearly—PTAs can discuss their expertise and the unique benefits they bring to their teams in McDonough.
More salary data for McDonough, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in McDonough in 2026?
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How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in McDonough?
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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 McDonough. 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 McDonough 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