Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Richmond, KY: $30.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Richmond, KY runs $30.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,997 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,795 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, Kentucky, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at approximately $30.28, which is lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This wage reflects the regional cost of living as well as the demand for PTAs in various settings across the city, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek, this hourly pay translates into a practical yet modest income for individuals typically practicing in friendly environments, from hospital inpatient rehab to pediatric therapy settings. Entry-level PTAs can expect to earn around $21.30, while those in advanced positions could see earnings up to $37.19 per hour, illustrating a significant range in compensation based on experience and specific roles.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.30 | $170.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.39 | $211.13 |
| Median (P50) | $30.28 | $242.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.33 | $274.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.19 | $297.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $30.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.28/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, KY can expect to earn approximately $62,992 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,342. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,211.39 | $5,249 | $62,992 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $726.84 | $3,150 | $37,795 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $484.56 | $2,100 | $25,197 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Richmond) | $30.28 |
| 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 Richmond, KY earn a median of $62,997 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.32% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $63,956.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.28/hr = $37,795/year (purchasing power: $42,324).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,992/year (purchasing power: $70,540).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Richmond grew 16.3% from $25.35/hr (2019) to $29.48/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.11/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
When considering part-time positions, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week could expect to take home about $37,551 annually based on this hourly rate. In contrast, full-time positions would yield a considerably higher annual income. For PTAs interested in per diem work, the pay ranges between $32 and $48 per hour, with traveling contracts generally offering between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. However, compensation in skilled nursing facilities may be impacted by the Medicare cuts that took place in 2022, leading to reduced agency rates. Hourly rates for PTAs can also fluctuate depending on the nature of their employer, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often providing competitive wages while skilled nursing facilities might offer stable but lower pay. Health benefits frequently lead to trade-offs where some PTAs prefer higher salaries without benefits, while others opt for positions with comprehensive health insurance. To navigate the local market successfully, PTAs should emphasize negotiation skills, focusing on the unique value they bring to potential employers in Richmond, KY.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Richmond in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Richmond?
Are physical therapist assistants in Richmond paid hourly or salary?
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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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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