Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Carmel, IN: $33.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Carmel, IN runs $33.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,314 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Carmel's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,193 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carmel, Indiana, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $33.81 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $33.77. This wage translates to significant earnings for both part-time workers, typically clocking in around three days a week, and those seeking per-diem opportunities. In settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy spaces, PTAs enjoy a varied pay scale; the range is from $24.60 for entry-level positions to $44.56 for those with substantial experience, with hourly estimates drawn from annual salary data. The flexibility in this profession can be appealing, as PTAs often have numerous options for work schedules, making it possible to balance other commitments while still earning a competitive hourly wage.
About the Carmel Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.60 | $196.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.07 | $240.55 |
| Median (P50) | $33.81 | $270.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.23 | $313.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.56 | $356.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carmel
Based on $33.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.81/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carmel, IN can expect to earn approximately $70,322 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,570. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carmel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carmel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,352.34 | $5,860 | $70,322 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $811.40 | $3,516 | $42,193 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $540.94 | $2,344 | $28,129 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Carmel) | $33.81 |
| 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 Carmel, IN earn a median of $70,314 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.10% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 10.30% above the Indiana state average of $63,748.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.81/hr = $42,193/year (purchasing power: $46,214).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,322/year (purchasing power: $77,023).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Carmel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Carmel grew 16.3% from $28.29/hr (2019) to $32.91/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.73/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 Carmel 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 Carmel
Examining the part-time earning potential reveals that a physical therapist assistant working three days a week, or 24 hours, could make a considerable annual income compared to someone working full-time. While per diem PTAs in Carmel typically charge between $32 to $48 per hour, those pursuing traveling contracts may earn up to $1,800 weekly. However, the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA services initiated by CMS in 2022 has pressured salaries in settings that heavily rely on Medicare, like skilled nursing facilities. Due to this situation, PTAs might accept lower pay for consistent hours and benefits or pursue positions that offer higher hourly rates without additional benefits. When considering job offers, it’s wise for PTAs to evaluate the overall compensation package, which may include healthcare benefits, and be ready to negotiate their hourly rate, especially given the local variations in pay among outpatient orthopedic clinics, home health agencies, and pediatric programs in Carmel, IN.
More salary data for Carmel, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Carmel in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Carmel?
Are physical therapist assistants in Carmel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Carmel?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Carmel?
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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 Carmel. 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 Carmel 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