Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Towson, MD: $38.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Towson, MD runs $38.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,098 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Towson's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,655 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Towson, Maryland, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a competitive $38.99. This rate is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $33.77, reflecting both the local demand for skilled professionals and the increased cost of living in the area, which registers at 109.3 on the index. For part-time workers, such as those operating on a 24-hour workweek, this hourly rate can provide significant financial stability, allowing for flexible scheduling while still earning a respectable income in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and other rehabilitation environments. The hourly pay scales from $28.68 for newly qualified PTAs at the 10th percentile to $51.67 for top earners, illustrating a clear pathway for career advancement within this growing field.
About the Towson 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) | $28.68 | $229.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.91 | $279.26 |
| Median (P50) | $38.99 | $311.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.54 | $364.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.67 | $413.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Towson
Based on $38.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.99/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Towson, MD can expect to earn approximately $81,091 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,783. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Towson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Towson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,559.44 | $6,758 | $81,091 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $935.66 | $4,055 | $48,655 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $623.78 | $2,703 | $32,436 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Towson) | $38.99 |
| 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 Towson, MD earn a median of $81,098 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.45% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 5.60% above the Maryland state average of $76,797.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.99/hr = $48,655/year (purchasing power: $44,515).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,091/year (purchasing power: $74,191).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Towson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Towson grew 16.3% from $32.63/hr (2019) to $37.95/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.05/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 Towson 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 Towson
The earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants in Towson can vary significantly based on work settings and experience. Taking a 3-day workweek as a frame of reference, a PTA might earn around $45,000 annually at the median hourly rate. In contrast, per diem physical therapist assistant pay Towson can fluctuate, with typical billing rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, depending on demand and the specific healthcare provider. Travel PTA contracts also present lucrative options, often running between $1,200 and $1,800 per week. Notably, those working in outpatient orthopedic clinics or specialized pediatric settings might command higher pay than their counterparts in skilled nursing facilities, particularly since the 15% decrease in Medicare Part B reimbursement has pressured salaries in heavily Medicare-reliant settings. The choice between accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits versus pursuing higher pay without additional support can complicate decision-making. For PTAs looking to negotiate effectively, understanding their value in the local market and discussing specific job responsibilities can lead to more favorable hourly arrangements.
More salary data for Towson, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Towson in 2026?
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Are physical therapist assistants in Towson paid hourly or salary?
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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 Towson. 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 Towson 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