Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Portage, IN: $29.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Portage, IN runs $29.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,552 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Portage's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,936 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portage, Indiana, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $29.60, which is below the national median of $33.77. This hourly pay significantly influences the working conditions for part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants who often fill roles in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. With an hourly pay range from $21.54 for entry-level positions to $38.03 for experienced professionals, this pay scale accommodates various staffing needs across different therapy environments. The hourly estimates reflect broader annual salary data derived from BLS projections, offering insights for those seeking per-diem work or stable part-time employment while fulfilling their passion for physical therapy.
About the Portage 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) | $21.54 | $172.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.24 | $209.90 |
| Median (P50) | $29.60 | $236.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.02 | $272.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.03 | $304.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portage
Based on $29.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.60/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portage, IN can expect to earn approximately $61,561 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,516. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Portage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,183.86 | $5,130 | $61,561 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.32 | $3,078 | $36,936 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.54 | $2,052 | $24,624 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Portage) | $29.60 |
| 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 Portage, IN earn a median of $61,552 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.38% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.40% below the Indiana state average of $63,718.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.60/hr = $36,936/year (purchasing power: $40,456).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,561/year (purchasing power: $67,427).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Portage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Portage grew 16.3% from $24.77/hr (2019) to $28.81/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.40/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 Portage 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 Portage
For a part-time physical therapist assistant working three days a week, or 24 hours, the annual income might equate to about $36,076, which is significantly less than a full-time equivalent role. On the other hand, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Portage ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, with traveling contracts providing more lucrative opportunities between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. However, compensation in skilled nursing facilities has been impacted by the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022, which may lead to lower payment expectations in those settings. Hourly rates can vary widely across employer types; for instance, outpatient clinics and pediatric facilities may offer more competitive pay compared to schools or home health agencies. While some physical therapist assistants may accept lower hourly rates for the benefits of health insurance, others are drawn to higher earnings without those perks. Understanding these dynamics can enhance your negotiating strategy when exploring job offers among various settings in Portage, IN.
More salary data for Portage, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Portage in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Portage?
Are physical therapist assistants in Portage paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Portage?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Portage?
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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 Portage. 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 Portage 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