Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Alexandria, LA: $30.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Alexandria, LA runs $30.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,237 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Alexandria's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,539 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Alexandria, Louisiana, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly pay of $30.88, which is slightly lower than the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate makes the profession accessible for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find shifts in various environments, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals. With an hourly range from $13.19 at the entry level to $41.09 for experienced professionals, the opportunities vary widely. This is important for those considering roles within the healthcare system, as the distinct practice settings can impact earning potential significantly. The data is based on the 2025 BLS OEWS figures projected for 2026.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.19 | $105.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.41 | $123.28 |
| Median (P50) | $30.88 | $247.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.02 | $296.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.09 | $328.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alexandria
Based on $30.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.88/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alexandria, LA can expect to earn approximately $64,232 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,057. With a cost-of-living index of 85.69 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Alexandria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alexandria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,235.23 | $5,353 | $64,232 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $741.14 | $3,212 | $38,539 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.09 | $2,141 | $25,693 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Alexandria) | $30.88 |
| 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 Alexandria, LA earn a median of $64,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.56% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $66,775.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.88/hr = $38,539/year (purchasing power: $44,977).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,232/year (purchasing power: $74,962).
CoL index: 85.686 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Alexandria grew 16.3% from $25.84/hr (2019) to $30.06/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.72/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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria
Compensation for physical therapist assistants can differ widely based on the employer type in Alexandria. For those working three days a week, a part-time assistant can expect to take home considerably less annually than a full-time counterpart, impacting benefits and job security. On the per diem side, the typical pay ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, and agency contracts for travel positions might provide $1,200 to $1,800 weekly; however, these rates have decreased since the implementation of the Medicare cuts in 2022. While some outpatient orthopedic and pediatric clinics tend to offer competitive pay, skilled nursing facilities may struggle to match these rates due to budget constraints. This situation drives some physical therapist assistants to balance the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates with comprehensive health coverage. Negotiating pay in Alexandria often requires understanding local market demands and emphasizing qualifications, as pay rates can fluctuate based on the setting and available resources.
More salary data for Alexandria, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Alexandria in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Alexandria?
Are physical therapist assistants in Alexandria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Alexandria?
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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 Alexandria. 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, 5-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