Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Smyrna, GA: $31.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Smyrna, GA runs $31.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,906 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,539 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, GA, physical therapists assistants earn a median hourly pay of $31.68, which falls below the national median of $33.77. This competitive rate is significant for those considering part-time opportunities or per-diem work in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or pediatric therapy spaces. For professionals working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this pay can provide a comfortable wage. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in this region spans from $22.38 for entry-level positions to $40.84 for top earners, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the fields of rehabilitation and therapy. As job seekers evaluate their options, they should consider both this hourly pay and the impact of their working conditions to achieve a favorable balance.
About the Smyrna 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) | $22.38 | $179.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.68 | $221.40 |
| Median (P50) | $31.68 | $253.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.30 | $290.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.84 | $326.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $31.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.68/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, GA can expect to earn approximately $65,898 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,018. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,267.28 | $5,492 | $65,898 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $760.37 | $3,295 | $39,539 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $506.91 | $2,197 | $26,359 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Smyrna) | $31.68 |
| 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 Smyrna, GA earn a median of $65,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.18% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.20% below the Georgia state average of $68,085.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.68/hr = $39,539/year (purchasing power: $42,469).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,898/year (purchasing power: $70,782).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Smyrna grew 16.3% from $26.51/hr (2019) to $30.84/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.55/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Analyzing part-time work potential, a physical therapist assistant in Smyrna who works three days a week could take home around $39,436 annually based on a typical 24-hour work week. This represents a solid income without the demands of full-time hours, allowing for flexibility. The per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Smyrna varies, with rates usually ranging from $32 to $48 per hour. Although some travel contracts can offer weekly earnings between $1,200 and $1,800, the recent Medicare cuts have impacted pay rates in skilled nursing facilities, making it crucial for candidates to evaluate their options carefully. Hourly earnings also differ across employer types. For example, outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer higher pay than school therapy programs, leading some PTAs to forgo benefits for better pay rates elsewhere. Negotiating effectively remains vital; understanding prevalent pay scales and market conditions can help PTAs secure the best compensation possible in Smyrna's evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Smyrna, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Smyrna in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Smyrna?
Are physical therapist assistants in Smyrna paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Smyrna?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Smyrna?
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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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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