Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbia, MD: $39.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Columbia, MD runs $39.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,883 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,732 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, Maryland, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $39.85 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.77. This competitive rate positions PTAs favorably, especially for those working in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and pediatric therapy programs. Part-time workers, for example, can find viable opportunities for a three-day workweek, which can translate to favorable income in line with the local living costs. Additionally, hourly rates in Columbia range from $26.99 at entry-level positions to $53.07 for experienced professionals, highlighting the potential for salary growth as PTAs develop their skills and experience within the field.
About the Columbia 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) | $26.99 | $215.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.00 | $272.03 |
| Median (P50) | $39.85 | $318.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.53 | $372.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.07 | $424.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $39.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.85/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, MD can expect to earn approximately $82,886 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,819. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,593.96 | $6,907 | $82,886 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $956.38 | $4,144 | $49,732 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $637.58 | $2,763 | $33,154 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Columbia) | $39.85 |
| 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 Columbia, MD earn a median of $82,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.99% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 7.90% above the Maryland state average of $76,814.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.85/hr = $49,732/year (purchasing power: $45,500).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,886/year (purchasing power: $75,833).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Columbia grew 16.3% from $33.35/hr (2019) to $38.79/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.94/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Understanding the earning potential for physical therapist assistants in Columbia involves looking beyond the hourly rate. For instance, a physical therapist assistant working part-time at 24 hours per week could expect to take home about $49,964 annually. On the other hand, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in the region typically ranges between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel contracts fetching weekly rates of $1,200 to $1,800. While skilled nursing facilities often provide steady employment, many PTAs accept lower hourly compensation for a position that offers health benefits. This trade-off is crucial in a healthcare landscape where the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, effective since 2022, has compressed hourly pay in Medicare-heavy settings. When negotiating hourly pay, PTAs in Columbia should consider the type of facility, the nature of the work, and the benefits offered to ensure they’re making informed decisions aligned with their career goals.
More salary data for Columbia, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Columbia?
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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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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