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.
Official BLS data · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rome
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.37/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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 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.
More salary data for Rome, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Rome in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Rome?
Are physical therapist assistants in Rome paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Rome?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Rome?
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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 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