Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Auburn Hills, MI: $29.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Auburn Hills, MI runs $29.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,282 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Auburn Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,770 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Auburn Hills, Michigan, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $29.46. This rate is significantly lower than the national median of $33.77 per hour, which could influence working conditions and compensation expectations in various local health care settings. For those considering part-time work, such as shifts at outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities, this hourly pay translates to meaningful earnings, allowing employees to maintain a balanced work-life schedule. Additionally, with an hourly range from $20.42 at the entry-level position to $38.55 for top earners, physical therapist assistants can find opportunities that suit their expertise and preferences. These figures emphasize the importance of understanding the local market for optimal career planning within the profession.
About the Auburn Hills Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.42 | $163.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.36 | $202.91 |
| Median (P50) | $29.46 | $235.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.21 | $273.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.55 | $308.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn Hills
Based on $29.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.46/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn Hills, MI can expect to earn approximately $61,283 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,356. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Auburn Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,178.52 | $5,107 | $61,283 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $707.11 | $3,064 | $36,770 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.41 | $2,043 | $24,513 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Auburn Hills) | $29.46 |
| 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 Auburn Hills, MI earn a median of $61,282 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $62,788.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.46/hr = $36,770/year (purchasing power: $39,453).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,283/year (purchasing power: $65,754).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Auburn Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Auburn Hills grew 16.3% from $24.66/hr (2019) to $28.68/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.27/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 Auburn Hills 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 Auburn Hills
When analyzing the potential earnings for part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week for a total of 24 hours, the annual income translates significantly less than full-time positions might offer. However, many choose the per diem route, with physical therapist assistant pay in Auburn Hills often hitting the higher marks of $32 to $48 an hour for flexible assignments. In the current job market, per diem or agency contracts in skilled nursing facilities might show squeezed margins due to recent Medicare reimbursement cuts of 15%, prompting some professionals to accept roles with lower hourly wages in exchange for additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. The hourly rate for positions can vary notably depending on employer type—outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer competitive pay, while pediatric clinics and school therapy programs might provide different financial packages. Effective negotiation strategies, including assessing the full benefits package rather than just the hourly wage, can make a considerable difference for PTAs in Auburn Hills, enhancing their long-term job satisfaction and career trajectory.
More salary data for Auburn Hills, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Auburn Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Auburn Hills?
Are physical therapist assistants in Auburn Hills paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Auburn Hills?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Auburn Hills?
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 Auburn Hills. 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 Auburn Hills 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