Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Houma, LA: $32.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Houma, LA runs $32.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,268 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Houma's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.1, 15% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,360 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Houma, Louisiana, physical therapist assistants can expect an hourly median pay of $32.34, which falls slightly below the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate is significant for those considering part-time or per-diem positions, commonly offered in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For example, a part-time PTA working three days a week would earn roughly $25,000 annually, which can be an attractive option for those balancing work with studies or family commitments. The hourly pay range starts at $13.44 for entry-level positions and can go as high as $37.95 for seasoned professionals, highlighting a diverse earning potential in the Houma area based on experience and the type of care provided. These figures are derived from official BLS data, reflecting the real picture of physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Houma, LA.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.44 | $107.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.39 | $243.10 |
| Median (P50) | $32.34 | $258.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.95 | $303.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.95 | $303.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houma
Based on $32.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.34/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houma, LA can expect to earn approximately $67,266 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,807. With a cost-of-living index of 85.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,293.58 | $5,605 | $67,266 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $776.15 | $3,363 | $40,360 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $517.43 | $2,242 | $26,906 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Houma) | $32.34 |
| 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 Houma, LA earn a median of $67,268 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.24% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.70% above the Louisiana state average of $66,800.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.34/hr = $40,360/year (purchasing power: $47,424).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,266/year (purchasing power: $79,041).
CoL index: 85.103 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Houma grew 47.9% from $21.29/hr (2019) to $31.48/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.22/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 Houma 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 Houma
Evaluating the earning potential for physical therapist assistants reveals a complex reality shaped by their work arrangements. For part-time PTAs, the annual take-home still allows for financial stability, though it may not compare to full-time counterparts. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Houma typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, offering options for those seeking flexibility, although travel PTA contracts can generate significantly higher earnings, with weekly compensations in the range of $1,200 to $1,800. However, it’s important to note that pay rates can differ across various employer types, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics versus skilled nursing facilities, the latter being particularly affected by recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. Many PTAs face the choice of higher hourly rates without benefits or lower rates that come with health insurance. For those negotiating their hourly pay, emphasizing any specialized training or additional competencies is crucial for crafting offers that meet their needs, aligning their expectations with the current employment landscape in Houma.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Houma in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Houma?
Are physical therapist assistants in Houma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Houma?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Houma?
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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 Houma. 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