Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Munster, IN: $28.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Munster, IN runs $28.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,632 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Munster's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,180 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Physical therapist assistants in Munster, Indiana, can expect a median hourly pay of $28.19 in 2026, reflecting a notable difference compared to the national median of $33.77 per hour. This rate provides a reasonable income for those pursuing part-time or per-diem work, especially vital in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. Entry-level positions may start around $21.23, whereas experienced professionals in specialized roles can earn up to $35.17 per hour. With a range of settings in Munster, including hospital rehab units and pediatric facilities, the flexibility of hourly pay can cater to various working schedules, making the profession appealing for those balancing other commitments or looking for supplemental income.
About the Munster 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) | $21.23 | $169.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.43 | $203.41 |
| Median (P50) | $28.19 | $225.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.95 | $255.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.17 | $281.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Munster
Based on $28.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.19/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Munster, IN can expect to earn approximately $58,633 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,827. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Munster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Munster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,127.56 | $4,886 | $58,633 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $676.54 | $2,932 | $35,180 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $451.03 | $1,954 | $23,453 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Munster) | $28.19 |
| 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 Munster, IN earn a median of $58,632 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.53% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 8.00% below the Indiana state average of $63,731.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.19/hr = $35,180/year (purchasing power: $38,532).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,633/year (purchasing power: $64,221).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Munster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Munster grew 16.3% from $23.59/hr (2019) to $27.44/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.96/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 Munster 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 Munster
The earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants in Munster is significant, especially for those working three days a week for around 24 hours, who could bring home approximately $35,881 annually. In contrast, full-time professionals can see earnings increase markedly. Per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in Munster can vary widely, with rates typically ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, particularly for travel positions that might offer weekly contracts from $1,200 to $1,800. Notably, hourly rates differ across employer types, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often paying differently than skilled nursing facilities. As the 15% Medicare cut since 2022 continues to impact pay in Medicare-reliant settings, some PTAs may opt for lower-pay positions that offer health benefits compared to higher-paying roles that lack benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, understanding local market expectations and being open to discussing benefits can often yield more favorable terms.
More salary data for Munster, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Munster in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Munster?
Are physical therapist assistants in Munster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Munster?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Munster?
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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 Munster. 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 Munster 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