Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Gaithersburg, MD: $37.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Gaithersburg, MD runs $37.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,340 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Gaithersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,398 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gaithersburg, Maryland, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $37.18, significantly higher than the national hourly median, which stands at $33.77. This competitive rate benefits those working part-time—typically around three days a week—allowing them to earn a substantial income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules, whether in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health settings. The hourly pay for physical therapist assistants in the area ranges from $25.65 for entry-level positions to $47.15 for the most experienced practitioners, reflecting both the demand for skilled professionals and the variety of settings in which they operate. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, illustrating good earning potential across Gaithersburg's healthcare landscape.
About the Gaithersburg 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) | $25.65 | $205.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.01 | $256.09 |
| Median (P50) | $37.18 | $297.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.96 | $343.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.15 | $377.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gaithersburg
Based on $37.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.18/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gaithersburg, MD can expect to earn approximately $77,330 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,614. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gaithersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gaithersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,487.12 | $6,444 | $77,330 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $892.27 | $3,867 | $46,398 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $594.85 | $2,578 | $30,932 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Gaithersburg) | $37.18 |
| 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 Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $77,340 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $76,803.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.18/hr = $46,398/year (purchasing power: $42,450).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,330/year (purchasing power: $70,750).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Gaithersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Gaithersburg grew 16.3% from $31.11/hr (2019) to $36.19/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.19/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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg
Examining the earnings for part-time work, a physical therapist assistant in Gaithersburg working three days a week for a total of 24 hours may realize an annual income of approximately $46,541, which provides a decent living without the commitment of full-time hours. For those exploring per diem options, the pay typically varies from $32 to $48 per hour, aiding flexibility but with potential inconsistency in hours. With the change in Medicare reimbursement rates affecting skilled nursing facilities, many agencies have adjusted their pay scales. It’s essential for PTAs to consider how different employer types influence hourly wages—outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer more favorable rates compared to home health agencies or schools. Some professionals might choose positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Negotiating an hourly rate can be vital; understanding local trends and the importance of certification can provide leverage in discussions related to pay in Gaithersburg's diverse healthcare environment.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Gaithersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Gaithersburg?
Are physical therapist assistants in Gaithersburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Gaithersburg?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Gaithersburg?
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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 Gaithersburg. 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 Gaithersburg 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