Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Ann Arbor, MI: $30.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Ann Arbor, MI runs $30.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,871 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Ann Arbor's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,719 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ann Arbor, Michigan, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $30.22, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77 per hour. This wage reflects the typical earnings across various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care, making it crucial for part-time and per-diem workers to evaluate their earnings closely. For those working three days a week or in per-diem capacities, the appeal lies not only in the flexibility but also in the potential for competitive pay within the $25.91 to $39.61 range. These figures come from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, indicating the entry-level hourly rates and the earning potential for highly experienced PTAs in the region.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.91 | $207.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.22 | $241.79 |
| Median (P50) | $30.22 | $241.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.42 | $259.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.61 | $316.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ann Arbor
Based on $30.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.22/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ann Arbor, MI can expect to earn approximately $62,864 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,268. With a cost-of-living index of 100.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ann Arbor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ann Arbor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,208.93 | $5,239 | $62,864 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $725.36 | $3,143 | $37,719 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.57 | $2,095 | $25,146 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Ann Arbor) | $30.22 |
| 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 Ann Arbor, MI earn a median of $62,871 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.50% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.20% above the Michigan state average of $62,745.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.22/hr = $37,719/year (purchasing power: $37,389).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,864/year (purchasing power: $62,316).
CoL index: 100.88 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Ann Arbor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Ann Arbor grew 11.0% from $26.50/hr (2019) to $29.42/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.05/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 Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor
When considering the financial landscape for physical therapist assistants, part-time employment opportunities reveal a different picture. A PTA working 24 hours a week can expect an annual take-home that reflects a significant portion of a full-time salary, but with benefits and job security often being the trade-offs for higher hourly rates. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Ann Arbor can range from $32 to $48 per hour. Contracted travel PTAs may see weekly earnings between $1,200 and $1,800, although skilled nursing facilities have tightened their budgets due to the Medicare cuts affecting reimbursement since 2022. Hourly wages can significantly vary based on the employer type, whether in outpatient orthopedic clinics, home health agencies, or hospital settings. PTAs must weigh their salary against offered benefits carefully; while some might settle for a lower rate to secure health insurance, others prefer the cash premium and flexibility of short-term contracts. Negotiating effectively is essential, as employers may have different financial capacities to meet desired hourly rates, especially in a city like Ann Arbor where costs can rise above the national average.
More salary data for Ann Arbor, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Ann Arbor in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Ann Arbor?
Are physical therapist assistants in Ann Arbor paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Ann Arbor?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ann Arbor?
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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 Ann Arbor. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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