Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Cumberland, MD: $34.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Cumberland, MD runs $34.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,067 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Cumberland's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,642 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cumberland, MD, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $34.17, which is slightly above the national median of $33.77. This competitive compensation reflects the growing demand for rehabilitation services, especially in outpatient clinic settings, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. The hourly pay range for physical therapist assistants in this area spans from $26.07 for entry-level positions to as much as $41.83 for experienced professionals. Part-time and per-diem roles offer flexibility, allowing practitioners to work in diverse environments such as hospital inpatient rehab units or pediatric therapy spaces, while earning a sustainable living. These rates, derived from projected 2026 salary estimates based on 2025 BLS data, suggest a positive outlook for those considering a career in this field.
About the Cumberland 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) | $26.07 | $208.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.07 | $248.52 |
| Median (P50) | $34.17 | $273.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.24 | $305.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.83 | $334.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cumberland
Based on $34.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.17/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cumberland, MD can expect to earn approximately $71,069 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,002. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cumberland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cumberland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,366.72 | $5,922 | $71,069 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $820.03 | $3,553 | $42,642 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $546.69 | $2,369 | $28,428 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Cumberland) | $34.17 |
| 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 Cumberland, MD earn a median of $71,067 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.17% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 7.40% below the Maryland state average of $76,746.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.17/hr = $42,642/year (purchasing power: $39,013).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,069/year (purchasing power: $65,022).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Cumberland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Cumberland grew 6.8% from $31.15/hr (2019) to $33.26/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.10/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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland
For part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week, which typically equates to about 24 hours, annual earnings can be quite substantial when compared to those working full-time. The flexibility of part-time roles appeals to many, yet it’s essential to understand how per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Cumberland, often billed at rates between $32 to $48 per hour, varies based on the employer's specifics. Travel contracts may offer pay packages of $1,200 to $1,800 per week, but factors such as the 15% Medicare cut on PTA-provided services since 2022 have affected reimbursement rates in skilled nursing facilities. Consequently, pay rates may differ widely among various employer types, with outpatient orthopedic clinics, rehab centers, and home health agencies providing contrasting compensation structures. While some PTAs may opt for positions with lower hourly rates that include health benefits, others might pursue higher hourly wages in roles with fewer perks. It is advisable for PTAs to negotiate effectively based on their unique skills and the prevailing local demand in Cumberland, thereby maximizing their earning potential.
More salary data for Cumberland, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Cumberland in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Cumberland?
Are physical therapist assistants in Cumberland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Cumberland?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Cumberland?
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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 Cumberland. 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 Cumberland 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