Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbus, IN: $30.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Columbus, IN runs $30.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,809 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.0, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,680 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Indiana, the projected median hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant is $30.19, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $33.77. This figure is indicative of the wage landscape for physical therapist assistants in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. This hourly rate allows part-time workers, perhaps those putting in three days a week, to balance their professional and personal lives while still earning a respectable income. Those starting their careers in this field can expect to earn around $23.55 per hour, while seasoned professionals can push their earnings up to $37.80, showcasing a broad range that reflects experience and specialization in various environments such as hospital inpatient rehab or pediatric therapy.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.55 | $188.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.48 | $203.82 |
| Median (P50) | $30.19 | $241.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.61 | $292.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.80 | $302.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $30.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.19/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, IN can expect to earn approximately $62,800 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,231. With a cost-of-living index of 93.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,207.69 | $5,233 | $62,800 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $724.62 | $3,140 | $37,680 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.08 | $2,093 | $25,120 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Columbus) | $30.19 |
| 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 Columbus, IN earn a median of $62,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.59% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.40% below the Indiana state average of $63,701.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.19/hr = $37,680/year (purchasing power: $40,515).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,800/year (purchasing power: $67,525).
CoL index: 93.003 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Columbus grew 16.3% from $25.27/hr (2019) to $29.39/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.02/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Considering a part-time schedule, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week would potentially earn around $37,700 annually, a figure that emphasizes the financial differences between part-time roles and full-time commitments. Additionally, per diem positions are appealing for flexibility, with rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, particularly for travel contracts that can yield weekly earnings of $1,200 to $1,800. However, recent changes in Medicare reimbursements due to the 15% cut have affected pay rates in skilled nursing facilities, leading to more competitive pay elsewhere. Each employer type in Columbus may offer different compensation, influencing hourly earnings that can vary significantly based on the setting—from outpatient orthopedic clinics to pediatric therapy programs. Physical therapist assistants need to weigh these factors carefully, considering benefits like health insurance, which often necessitates trading off a higher hourly rate for security in full-time positions. Negotiating pay in Columbus can be strategic, emphasizing one's experience and the current market demand for services.
More salary data for Columbus, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Columbus?
Are physical therapist assistants in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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, 4-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