Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in East Lansing, MI: $29.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in East Lansing, MI runs $29.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,871 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against East Lansing's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,129 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Lansing, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly pay of $29.75, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate significantly impacts part-time and per-diem workers, commonly employed in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and various rehabilitation settings. For those working 24 hours a week, which is typical for many part-time PTAs, this pay translates to a significant but manageable income. The hourly earnings for physical therapist assistants in this area can vary, with entry-level positions starting around $22.33 and experienced professionals earning up to $39.11. East Lansing's 2026 projections reflect the broader trends in the industry, where hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data and adjusted for the local cost of living index.
About the East Lansing 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) | $22.33 | $178.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.87 | $214.99 |
| Median (P50) | $29.75 | $238.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.89 | $263.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.11 | $312.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Lansing
Based on $29.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.75/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Lansing, MI can expect to earn approximately $61,881 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,701. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in East Lansing.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Lansing
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,190.02 | $5,157 | $61,881 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.01 | $3,094 | $37,129 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.01 | $2,063 | $24,753 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (East Lansing) | $29.75 |
| 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 East Lansing, MI earn a median of $61,871 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.92% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.40% below the Michigan state average of $62,750.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.75/hr = $37,129/year (purchasing power: $39,838).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,881/year (purchasing power: $66,396).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in East Lansing (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in East Lansing grew 16.3% from $24.90/hr (2019) to $28.96/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.56/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 East Lansing 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 East Lansing
Understanding the earning potential within East Lansing's physical therapist assistant landscape reveals that part-time workers can earn around $36,180 annually if they maintain a consistent schedule. This amount differs from full-time earnings but offers flexibility, which is often appealing in this profession. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in East Lansing can range from $32 to $48 per hour, depending on demand and the type of work setting. Travel contracts for PTAs can offer lucrative weekly compensations of $1,200 to $1,800. However, with the 15% Medicare cut affecting many skilled nursing facilities, agency positions may see reduced premiums. Different employer types, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospital inpatient rehab, or pediatric therapy spaces, can further influence pay rates. When negotiating pay, PTAs should weigh the benefits of stable yet lower hourly rates against higher pay that lacks health insurance and other benefits. Adapting to local economic conditions and understanding the demand for services can greatly enhance job opportunities and income stability.
More salary data for East Lansing, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in East Lansing in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in East Lansing?
Are physical therapist assistants in East Lansing paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in East Lansing?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in East Lansing?
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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 East Lansing. 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 East Lansing 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