Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Dearborn Heights, MI: $30.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Dearborn Heights, MI runs $30.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,715 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Dearborn Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,629 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dearborn Heights, Michigan, a physical therapist assistant earns a median hourly rate of $30.15, which is lower than the national hourly median of $33.77. This hourly pay reflects the opportunities available in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For part-time workers, particularly those employed three days a week, the hourly pay translates into a steady income with flexibility, while per-diem workers can enjoy the advantages of varied schedules. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in Dearborn Heights spans from $20.41 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to $40.84 for top earners (90th percentile), indicating potential for growth and increased earnings as one gains experience and expertise in specialized therapy fields.
About the Dearborn Heights 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) | $20.41 | $163.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.66 | $205.30 |
| Median (P50) | $30.15 | $241.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.84 | $270.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.84 | $326.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dearborn Heights
Based on $30.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.15/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dearborn Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $62,715 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,182. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dearborn Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dearborn Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,206.05 | $5,226 | $62,715 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $723.63 | $3,136 | $37,629 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.42 | $2,090 | $25,086 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Dearborn Heights) | $30.15 |
| 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 Dearborn Heights, MI earn a median of $62,715 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.72% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.10% below the Michigan state average of $62,777.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.15/hr = $37,629/year (purchasing power: $40,374).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,715/year (purchasing power: $67,290).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Dearborn Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Dearborn Heights grew 16.3% from $25.23/hr (2019) to $29.35/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.97/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 Dearborn Heights 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 Dearborn Heights
Hourly earnings can differ significantly based on work arrangements and employment settings. A physical therapist assistant working part-time for 24 hours a week may realize take-home earnings that are notably lower than a full-time counterpart, impacting annual income and job stability. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Dearborn Heights typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, while travel PTA contracts can yield substantial weekly pay, falling between $1,200 and $1,800. However, due to the 15% Medicare cut effective in 2022, many skilled nursing facilities have lowered their pay rates, affecting overall earnings in those environments. Different employers, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics or pediatric therapy programs, also tend to offer varied hourly rates, with some providing benefits that may appeal to PTAs willing to accept lower pay. Negotiation remains essential in a market where hourly rates can vary widely, and understanding local demand can empower physical therapist assistants in Dearborn Heights to advocate for better compensation tailored to their professional expertise and personal circumstances.
More salary data for Dearborn Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Dearborn Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Dearborn Heights?
Are physical therapist assistants in Dearborn Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Dearborn Heights?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Dearborn Heights?
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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 Dearborn Heights. 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 Dearborn Heights 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