Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Elkhart, IN: $31.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Elkhart, IN runs $31.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,603 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Elkhart's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,360 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Elkhart, Indiana, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $31.54 per hour, which is slightly lower than the national median of $33.77 per hour. This hourly wage reflects the earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers in various healthcare environments, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. For professionals working three days a week, this rate allows for a decent income while also accommodating a flexible schedule. The hourly earnings can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $22.11 and seasoned professionals reaching up to $38.48 per hour. These figures are based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hourly data for 2026, emphasizing the range of compensation associated with this vital healthcare role.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.11 | $176.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.20 | $241.62 |
| Median (P50) | $31.54 | $252.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.09 | $296.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.48 | $307.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elkhart
Based on $31.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.54/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elkhart, IN can expect to earn approximately $65,599 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,846. With a cost-of-living index of 90.33 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elkhart.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elkhart
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,261.52 | $5,467 | $65,599 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $756.91 | $3,280 | $39,360 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $504.61 | $2,187 | $26,240 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Elkhart) | $31.54 |
| 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 Elkhart, IN earn a median of $65,603 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.61% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.00% above the Indiana state average of $63,693.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.54/hr = $39,360/year (purchasing power: $43,575).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,599/year (purchasing power: $72,626).
CoL index: 90.325 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Elkhart (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Elkhart grew 19.6% from $25.67/hr (2019) to $30.70/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.40/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 Elkhart 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 Elkhart
For those considering part-time work, a three-day work week for a physical therapist assistant typically translates into a take-home annual income of around $49,000, assuming 24 hours of work weekly. The realities of per diem or agency contracts may offer higher hourly rates, with pay ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, depending on location and demand. However, the current economic environment has influenced pay rates, particularly after the 15% Medicare cut in 2022, which has notably affected earnings in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Compensation can also fluctuate based on the type of employer in Elkhart; outpatient orthopedic clinics may provide one compensation structure, while hospital inpatient rehab may adopt another. Some PTAs may opt for positions with less hourly pay to secure health insurance benefits, thus weighing the trade-offs of stability versus immediate compensation. For those in negotiating roles, focusing on location-specific needs and the demand for skilled professionals can be key strategies in discussions regarding the physical therapist assistant hourly rate in Indiana.
More salary data for Elkhart, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Elkhart in 2026?
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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 Elkhart. 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