Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in South Bend, IN: $32.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in South Bend, IN runs $32.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,110 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against South Bend's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,872 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In South Bend, Indiana, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $32.75 in 2026, slightly below the national average of $33.77. This competitive hourly wage presents various opportunities for those pursuing careers in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and other rehabilitation settings. For part-time workers averaging three days a week, this translates into a take-home pay that allows for flexibility while still providing a decent income. Those in this profession will typically earn between $20.76 and $38.39 per hour, depending on experience and specialty, as indicated by official Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This makes physical therapist assistant roles appealing not only to full-time employees but also to per-diem workers looking to supplement their income in a dynamic clinical environment.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.76 | $166.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.07 | $240.55 |
| Median (P50) | $32.75 | $262.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.96 | $303.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.39 | $307.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Bend
Based on $32.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.75/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Bend, IN can expect to earn approximately $68,121 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,300. With a cost-of-living index of 92.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Bend.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Bend
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,310.01 | $5,677 | $68,121 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $786.01 | $3,406 | $40,872 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.01 | $2,271 | $27,248 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (South Bend) | $32.75 |
| 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 South Bend, IN earn a median of $68,110 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.04% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 6.90% above the Indiana state average of $63,714.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.75/hr = $40,872/year (purchasing power: $44,016).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,121/year (purchasing power: $73,360).
CoL index: 92.858 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Bend (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in South Bend grew 18.1% from $26.99/hr (2019) to $31.88/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.64/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 South Bend 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 South Bend
Part-time physical therapist assistants in South Bend working 24 hours per week can anticipate taking home approximately $40,040 annually, a figure that highlights the earning potential for those seeking part-time positions versus full-time roles. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in South Bend generally ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, allowing for a more flexible schedule suited for various lifestyles. Additionally, travel PTA contracts can yield impressive earnings of $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. Nevertheless, agency pay for skilled nursing facilities has been squeezed since the implementation of the 15% Medicare cut in 2022, impacting total compensation. The hourly pay rates often vary widely based on employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer different compensation compared to home health agencies or pediatric clinics. While some PTAs may prefer higher hourly wages without benefits, others opt for placements that include health insurance, reflecting a critical trade-off in making employment decisions. When negotiating rates in South Bend, PTAs should emphasize their skills and experience, considering the nuances of the market and variations that exist across different settings.
More salary data for South Bend, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in South Bend in 2026?
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How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in South Bend?
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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 South Bend. 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