Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Marion, IA: $29.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Marion, IA runs $29.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,448 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Marion's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,872 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marion, IA, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $29.55, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $33.77. For those in part-time positions, typically working three days a week, this hourly wage translates to significant flexibility in their schedules while still allowing for competitive income. Per-diem workers, who frequently move between various healthcare environments such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health, can expect to earn between $20.80 and $37.15 hourly according to job demand and their experience level. The hourly rate provides a spectrum for entry-level workers starting at $20.80 up to seasoned professionals making $37.15, creating a diverse landscape of opportunities within the field in Marion.
About the Marion Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.80 | $166.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.69 | $205.54 |
| Median (P50) | $29.55 | $236.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.46 | $267.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.15 | $297.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Marion
Based on $29.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.55/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Marion, IA can expect to earn approximately $61,454 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,454. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Marion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Marion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,181.81 | $5,121 | $61,454 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $709.08 | $3,073 | $36,872 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.72 | $2,048 | $24,582 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Marion) | $29.55 |
| 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 Marion, IA earn a median of $61,448 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.53% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.70% below the Iowa state average of $62,511.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.55/hr = $36,872/year (purchasing power: $40,788).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,454/year (purchasing power: $67,980).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Marion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Marion grew 16.3% from $24.73/hr (2019) to $28.76/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.35/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 Marion 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 Marion
Exploring the potential earnings for a part-time physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week reveals that their annual income would be considerably less than their full-time counterparts, approximating $36,696 based on the hourly rate. Current trends show that per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Marion can range from $32 to $48 hourly, particularly for those taking on agency or locum roles. The variability in hourly pay reflects differences in employer types; skilled nursing facilities may offer lower pay due to recent Medicare cuts while outpatient orthopedic clinics, whether chains or independent, might afford higher compensation. Some professionals prioritize health benefits and job security over higher hourly rates, often choosing positions that provide insurance despite lower pay. For those working in environments reliant on Medicare, the compressed hourly rates stemming from the recent reimbursement cuts are an essential factor to consider when negotiating one's salary in Marion, IA.
More salary data for Marion, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Marion in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Marion?
Are physical therapist assistants in Marion paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Marion?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Marion?
Related Pages
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Career Resources
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 Marion. 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 Marion 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