Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Bowie, MD: $36.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Bowie, MD runs $36.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,403 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Bowie's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,847 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bowie, Maryland, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $36.74 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This competitive rate enables part-time workers, who typically log about three days a week, to earn a respectable income while balancing other commitments. For per-diem physical therapist assistants, the flexibility of choosing shifts in various settings—such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or even home health visits—can be financially rewarding, especially given that entry-level positions start around $24.58 per hour and top earners can reach up to $46.99 per hour. These figures, estimated from annual salary data based on 2025 BLS data, highlight a spectrum of earning potential within the field, catering to both those seeking stable part-time work and per-diem professionals looking to maximize their rates.
About the Bowie Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.58 | $196.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.09 | $248.69 |
| Median (P50) | $36.74 | $293.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.86 | $334.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.99 | $375.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bowie
Based on $36.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.74/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bowie, MD can expect to earn approximately $76,411 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,083. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bowie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bowie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,469.45 | $6,368 | $76,411 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $881.67 | $3,821 | $45,847 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $587.78 | $2,547 | $30,565 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Bowie) | $36.74 |
| 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 Bowie, MD earn a median of $76,403 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.76% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.50% below the Maryland state average of $76,787.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.74/hr = $45,847/year (purchasing power: $41,946).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,411/year (purchasing power: $69,910).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bowie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Bowie grew 16.3% from $30.74/hr (2019) to $35.76/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.74/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 Bowie 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 Bowie
Considering part-time employment in Bowie, a physical therapist assistant working a 24-hour week can expect to earn around $45,990 annually. This figure represents solid earnings compared to many other professions requiring similar education. For those exploring per-diem or agency work, the reality is more complex; per-diem physical therapist assistants typically bill between $32 and $48 per hour, while travel PTA contracts can net between $1,200 and $1,800 per week. However, it’s essential to remember that the recent 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursement for PTA services has affected earnings, particularly in skilled nursing facilities that depend heavily on Medicare. Different employer types also influence pay rates, with outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offering more competitive salaries compared to home health agencies or pediatric therapy settings. While some may accept lower hourly rates for job stability and benefits, others may prefer higher hourly pay without benefits. For those negotiating hourly compensation, knowing local rates and being aware of the benefits associated with certain positions can significantly enhance your bargaining power.
More salary data for Bowie, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Bowie in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Bowie?
Are physical therapist assistants in Bowie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Bowie?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bowie?
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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 Bowie. 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 Bowie 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