Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in New Iberia, LA: $30.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in New Iberia, LA runs $30.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,270 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against New Iberia's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,962 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Iberia, LA, the projected median hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant (PTA) is $30.42, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $33.77. This discrepancy reflects the local economy and cost of living index, which currently sits below the national average. For part-time employees working three days a week in settings like outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities, this hourly pay translates to a considerable, yet modest, income, allowing for flexibility in schedules typical of PTA roles. Entry-level positions begin at approximately $22.10 per hour, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $38.03 per hour in specialized settings, indicating a wide range of pay opportunities available within the region. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and give a solid picture of what PTAs can expect to earn per hour in this vibrant Louisiana city.
About the New Iberia 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) | $22.10 | $176.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.94 | $215.49 |
| Median (P50) | $30.42 | $243.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.90 | $279.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.03 | $304.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Iberia
Based on $30.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.42/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Iberia, LA can expect to earn approximately $63,270 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,502. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Iberia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Iberia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,216.73 | $5,273 | $63,270 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $730.04 | $3,164 | $37,962 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.69 | $2,109 | $25,308 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (New Iberia) | $30.42 |
| 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 New Iberia, LA earn a median of $63,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.93% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.30% below the Louisiana state average of $66,811.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.42/hr = $37,962/year (purchasing power: $42,040).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,270/year (purchasing power: $70,067).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in New Iberia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in New Iberia grew 16.3% from $25.46/hr (2019) to $29.61/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.25/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 New Iberia 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 New Iberia
Shifting focus to the realities of part-time and per-diem work, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week might earn around $37,856 annually, which differs significantly from a full-time assistant's earnings. The per diem physical therapist assistant pay in New Iberia ranges from about $32 to $48 per hour, presenting opportunities for those looking to work on an as-needed basis rather than committing to a fixed schedule. Travel PTA contracts can be lucrative, often yielding between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. However, as the CMS 15% Medicare cut affects reimbursements primarily in skilled nursing facilities, agencies may offer lower rates for PTA positions. Various employer types in New Iberia, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies, can also dictate the hourly pay range significantly. Some physical therapist assistants may choose to accept lower wages for the perks of health insurance, while others prefer higher hourly rates with fewer benefits, underscoring the importance of negotiation strategies tailored for this specific market.
More salary data for New Iberia, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in New Iberia in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in New Iberia?
Are physical therapist assistants in New Iberia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in New Iberia?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in New Iberia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
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 New Iberia. 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 New Iberia 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