Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Auburn, ME: $33.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Auburn, ME runs $33.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,032 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,013 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, Maine, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in 2026 is set at $33.66, closely aligning with the national median of $33.77. This competitive rate allows both full-time and part-time workers to earn a respectable income. For those working three days a week, the potential for steady earnings exists, particularly in various work settings such as outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and home health environments. The hourly pay range for PTAs in Auburn spans from $23.66 at the entry-level to $40.15 for those in the highest earning bracket. These figures are crucial for PTAs considering career options and negotiating their hourly rates, as they reflect the market dynamics specific to the state of Maine.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.66 | $189.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.24 | $249.92 |
| Median (P50) | $33.66 | $269.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.98 | $295.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.15 | $321.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $33.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.66/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, ME can expect to earn approximately $70,022 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,398. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,346.58 | $5,835 | $70,022 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $807.95 | $3,501 | $42,013 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $538.63 | $2,334 | $28,009 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Auburn) | $33.66 |
| 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 Auburn, ME earn a median of $70,032 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.31% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.10% above the Maine state average of $69,962.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.66/hr = $42,013/year (purchasing power: $42,182).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,022/year (purchasing power: $70,304).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Auburn grew 16.3% from $28.17/hr (2019) to $32.77/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.58/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
The earning potential for part-time PTAs in Auburn can yield a surprising income when considering the actual hours worked. A typical 24-hour week translates to around $52,000 annually, which, while less than full-time income, still offers a solid foundation for individuals balancing other commitments. Per diem work presents another opportunity, with physical therapist assistants commonly billing between $32 and $48 per hour, reflecting varying demand and specialization. Travel contracts also provide substantial earnings, ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly, although the market’s competitive nature can affect pay scales across different employer types. Moreover, the impact of the recent 15% Medicare cut on reimbursements has forced some facilities, particularly skilled nursing homes, to reduce premium pay rates. For many PTAs, the trade-off between hourly pay and benefits is central; those opting for higher hourly wages might forego traditional employment benefits, making negotiation skills crucial in Auburn's market.
More salary data for Auburn, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Auburn in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Auburn?
Are physical therapist assistants in Auburn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Auburn?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Auburn?
Related Pages
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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 Auburn. 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 Auburn 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