Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Central, LA: $30.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Central, LA runs $30.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,162 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Central's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,501 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central, Louisiana, the estimated physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $30.85, which is noticeably lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.77 for this occupation. This wage presents various implications for professionals in the field, particularly for part-time or per diem workers. A PTA working just three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, would earn around $739.80 weekly, which can be a good option for those seeking flexibility in their schedules. The hourly range also reflects the diversity within the profession, with entry-level positions starting at $22.97 and experienced PTAs making up to $39.39. This range indicates that there are opportunities for growth and increased earnings for those with specialized skills or additional certifications, especially in settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health environments.
About the Central Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.97 | $183.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.83 | $222.64 |
| Median (P50) | $30.85 | $246.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.23 | $281.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.39 | $315.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Central
Based on $30.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.85/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Central, LA can expect to earn approximately $64,168 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,020. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Central.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Central
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,233.99 | $5,347 | $64,168 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $740.40 | $3,208 | $38,501 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $493.60 | $2,139 | $25,667 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Central) | $30.85 |
| 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 Central, LA earn a median of $64,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.66% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.90% below the Louisiana state average of $66,766.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.85/hr = $38,501/year (purchasing power: $42,636).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,168/year (purchasing power: $71,060).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Central (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Central grew 16.3% from $25.82/hr (2019) to $30.03/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.69/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 Central 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 Central
Analyzing potential earnings reveals stark contrasts between part-time employment and full-time positions. A physical therapist assistant in Central, working 24 hours per week, would net around $38,589 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts who typically work 40 hours each week. Per diem physical therapist assistants often see pay rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, making such arrangements appealing to those willing to accept a variable schedule. However, agencies might face lower compensation rates due to the impact of the 15% Medicare cut which began affecting PTA pay in skilled nursing facilities. The varying hourly rates reflect employer types as well, with outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospitals, and home health agencies offering different levels of pay. Some PTAs might prefer positions with lower hourly rates that include health benefits compared to higher-paying roles with no additional perks. Negotiating for the best possible pay while considering these factors can significantly affect one’s financial stability and job satisfaction in Central, LA.
More salary data for Central, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Central in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Central?
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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 Central. 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 Central 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