Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Ferndale, MI: $28.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Ferndale, MI runs $28.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,561 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Ferndale's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,731 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ferndale, Michigan, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $28.63, which falls significantly below the national median of $33.77. This disparity indicates that professionals in the area may find varying opportunities depending on their work settings, which typically include outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation units in hospitals, and home health environments. For those looking to work part-time, such as three days a week, or as per-diem staff, this hourly pay could dictate the financial viability of their choice. The range for hourly wages offers insight into the employment landscape, with entry-level positions starting around $20.63, while those with greater experience and specialized skills can earn up to $34.69 per hour. Such range estimates are derived from the annual salary figures, reflecting the diverse compensation structures that exist within the field.
About the Ferndale 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) | $20.63 | $165.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.15 | $201.19 |
| Median (P50) | $28.63 | $229.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.82 | $254.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.69 | $277.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ferndale
Based on $28.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.63/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ferndale, MI can expect to earn approximately $59,552 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,357. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ferndale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ferndale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,145.23 | $4,963 | $59,552 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $687.14 | $2,978 | $35,731 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.09 | $1,985 | $23,821 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Ferndale) | $28.63 |
| 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 Ferndale, MI earn a median of $59,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.21% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.10% below the Michigan state average of $62,762.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.63/hr = $35,731/year (purchasing power: $38,338).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,552/year (purchasing power: $63,897).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Ferndale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Ferndale grew 16.3% from $23.96/hr (2019) to $27.87/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.41/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 Ferndale 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 Ferndale
For physical therapist assistants working part-time in Ferndale, the annual earnings from a 24-hour workweek translate to a significant difference compared to full-time counterparts. On average, a PTA working three days a week at the median hourly rate would take home roughly $44,000 yearly, highlighting a more modest lifestyle than a full-time PTA. Per-diem roles often provide higher rates, with pay ranging from $32 to $48 per hour; however, this variability comes with job instability and a lack of consistent benefits. Common practice settings influence pay scales as well, with outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offering more competitive rates compared to skilled nursing facilities, especially since the Medicare reimbursement cuts instituted in 2022 affect PTA salaries in those environments. The choice between accepting a lower hourly rate with accompanying health benefits versus higher pay without such perks can significantly impact a PTA's financial strategy. For those negotiating their pay in Ferndale, demonstrating specialized skills and familiarity with local employer expectations can be beneficial, as demand for PTAs continues to grow at an annual rate of 2.73%.
More salary data for Ferndale, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Ferndale in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Ferndale?
Are physical therapist assistants in Ferndale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Ferndale?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ferndale?
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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 Ferndale. 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 Ferndale 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