Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Pocatello, ID: $28.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Pocatello, ID runs $28.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,450 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Pocatello's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,667 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Pocatello, Idaho, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay sits at a median of $28.58, a figure that falls significantly below the national median of $33.77. This disparity must be considered especially by those looking to work part-time or per-diem in various healthcare settings, such as outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services. For example, a PTA working three days a week can expect to earn approximately $685.92 per week, which translates to about $35,000 annually if they maintain this schedule. Entry-level positions in the area can start around $13.95 per hour, whereas experienced professionals may reach up to $34.90 per hour, reflecting the range of opportunities available in Pocatello's healthcare market, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.95 | $111.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.53 | $204.23 |
| Median (P50) | $28.58 | $228.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.57 | $244.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.90 | $279.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pocatello
Based on $28.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.58/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pocatello, ID can expect to earn approximately $59,445 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,295. With a cost-of-living index of 88.91 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pocatello.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pocatello
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,143.18 | $4,954 | $59,445 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.91 | $2,972 | $35,667 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.27 | $1,982 | $23,778 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Pocatello) | $28.58 |
| 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 Pocatello, ID earn a median of $59,450 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.37% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.30% below the Idaho state average of $62,777.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.58/hr = $35,667/year (purchasing power: $40,118).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,445/year (purchasing power: $66,863).
CoL index: 88.906 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-0.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pocatello grew -5.7% from $29.50/hr (2019) to $27.82/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.36/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 Pocatello 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 Pocatello
Examining the earnings potential for part-time physical therapist assistants reveals nuanced financial dynamics. A PTA working 24 hours per week, earning the median pay, would take home around $43,000 annually, which allows for a flexible lifestyle. For those considering per diem or agency positions, pay scales can be higher, with typical rates between $32 and $48 per hour; travel contract roles may even yield earnings of $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. However, the ongoing impact of the 2022 Medicare cuts has compelled some rehabilitation facilities, particularly skilled nursing settings, to offer lower rates—an aspect PTAs should carefully evaluate when selecting employment opportunities. Hourly rates also vary widely across provider types, emphasizing the importance of negotiation skills. PTAs should weigh the trade-offs between accepting a position with a higher hourly rate but fewer benefits versus roles with more comprehensive health insurance options. To navigate these considerations effectively, understanding the prevailing market conditions and leveraging one’s experience while discussing compensation can be crucial in securing a favorable arrangement.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pocatello in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Pocatello?
Are physical therapist assistants in Pocatello paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Pocatello?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pocatello?
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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 Pocatello. 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, 7-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