PT Assistant Salary

Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Rome, GA: $35.40 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Rome, GA runs $35.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,637 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Rome's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,180 per year.

$73,637
Median Annual Salary
$35.40/hr
Hourly Rate
$44,379
Entry Level (P10)
$85,358
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Rate in Rome, GA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Rome, GA physical therapist assistant hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Rome, Georgia, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $35.40, which is notably higher than the national median of $33.77. This pay level reflects the demand for skilled PTAs in various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For part-time workers, such as those choosing to work three days a week, this hourly wage can translate to a steady income while allowing for flexibility in their schedules. Additionally, entry-level PTAs can expect to start at around $21.34 an hour, with upper earners reaching the 90th percentile at $41.04 per hour, creating a diverse earning landscape in the city. This data, derived from the 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, indicates a promising trajectory for those considering a career as a physical therapist assistant in Rome.

Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$21.34$170.70
Lower Range (P25)$26.41$211.30
Median (P50)$35.40$283.21
Upper Range (P75)$39.43$315.42
Top Earners (P90)$41.04$328.33

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rome

Based on $35.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a physical therapist assistant in Rome earning $35.40/hr would make approximately $42,481 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $73,634 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$42,481Reduced (32 hr/wk)$56,641Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$73,634

At $35.40/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rome, GA can expect to earn approximately $73,634 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,481. With a cost-of-living index of 90.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rome.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$283.21
per 8hr shift
$1,416.03
per week
$6,136
per month
$73,634
per year

Schedule Comparison in Rome

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,416.03$6,136$73,634
Part-Time (24 hrs)$849.62$3,682$44,180
Per Diem (16 hrs)$566.41$2,454$29,453

Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Physical Therapist Assistant (Rome)$35.40
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing physical therapist assistant median salary in Rome ($73,637) with Georgia average ($68,119) and the US national median ($70,247).Rome$73,637Georgia Avg$68,119+8.10%US National$70,247+4.83%

Physical Therapist Assistants in Rome, GA earn a median of $73,637 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.83% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 8.10% above the Georgia state average of $68,119.

Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $35.40/hr = $44,180/year (purchasing power: $49,001).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,634/year (purchasing power: $81,669).

CoL index: 90.161 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$29.63/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$34.46/hr

2026 Current Est.

$35.40/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+22.7%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Rome (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for physical therapist assistants in Rome. Baseline $29.63/hr in 2025, projected to $36.37/hr by 2027.$28$30$33$35$382019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$29.63$36.42$29.12$29.45$35.43$33.44$34.46$35.40$36.37
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$29.63/hrActual
2020$36.42/hrActual
2021$29.12/hrActual
2022$29.45/hrActual
2023$35.43/hrActual
2024$33.44/hrActual
2025$34.46/hrActual
2026(current)$35.40/hrEstimated
2027$36.37/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Rome grew 16.3% from $29.63/hr (2019) to $34.46/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.37/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Rome

Analyzing the earning potential for PTAs in Rome reveals significant opportunities, especially for those opting for part-time or per-diem positions. A physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $43,884 annually, which still offers a reasonable income compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Rome ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, providing flexibility but often lacking benefits. Travel PTA contracts are lucrative, with weekly earnings often falling between $1,200 and $1,800. However, due to recent Medicare cuts, particularly affecting skilled nursing facilities, some PTAs may face lower agency pay rates. Hourly rates can also fluctuate based on employer types; outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer competitive rates compared to home health agencies and pediatric clinics. It’s crucial for PTAs to weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits, as those in full-time positions often receive health insurance that may not be accessible for lower-paying part-time work. For negotiating hourly pay effectively in Rome, knowing the market rates for different settings is essential, enabling PTAs to secure compensation that reflects their skills and the demand for their services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Rome in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Rome is $35.40/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.73% annual growth). Rates range from $21.34 at entry level (10th percentile) to $41.04 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 4.8% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Rome?

A part-time physical therapist assistant working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Rome earns approximately $3,682/month, or $44,180/year at the median hourly rate of $35.40. Many physical therapist assistants prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are physical therapist assistants in Rome paid hourly or salary?

The majority of physical therapist assistants in Rome are paid hourly at a median rate of $35.40/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $73,634/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Rome?

A full-time physical therapist assistant working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Rome earns approximately $73,634/year at the median hourly rate of $35.40. This is 4.8% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $85,365/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Rome?

Part-time and per diem physical therapist assistants in Rome sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $41.04/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

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 Rome. 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

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