Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Grand Rapids, MI: $33.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Grand Rapids, MI runs $33.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,576 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Grand Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,347 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected at $33.93 in 2026, just slightly above the national median of $33.77. This rate makes it an appealing option for both full-time professionals and part-time workers, who might typically schedule around three days a week, allowing them to balance work with other commitments. For per-diem physical therapist assistants, who work intermittently in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and even home health visits, the compensation can be similarly advantageous. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in this area spans from $24.92 at the entry-level to $39.15 for those nearing the higher end of the pay scale, reflecting diverse roles and experience levels in this healthcare discipline. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight the steady demand for PTAs in Grand Rapids.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.92 | $199.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.15 | $241.21 |
| Median (P50) | $33.93 | $271.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.93 | $271.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.15 | $313.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Rapids
Based on $33.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.93/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Rapids, MI can expect to earn approximately $70,578 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,718. With a cost-of-living index of 95.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,357.27 | $5,881 | $70,578 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $814.36 | $3,529 | $42,347 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $542.91 | $2,353 | $28,231 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Grand Rapids) | $33.93 |
| 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 Grand Rapids, MI earn a median of $70,576 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.47% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 12.40% above the Michigan state average of $62,790.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.93/hr = $42,347/year (purchasing power: $44,321).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,578/year (purchasing power: $73,868).
CoL index: 95.546 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Grand Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Grand Rapids grew 28.8% from $25.64/hr (2019) to $33.03/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.86/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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids
Part-time physical therapist assistants in Grand Rapids, working an average of 24 hours a week, can expect a take-home amount that, while possibly less than their full-time counterparts, remains competitive. Depending on their specific contractual obligations and work situations, such part-timers could earn significantly less annually, yet they often enjoy more flexibility in their personal lives. For those engaging in per diem work, whether through agencies or as independent contractors, rates typically fall between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts offering a noteworthy weekly pay of $1,200 to $1,800. However, following the 15% Medicare cut in 2022, premium rates for skilled nursing facility (SNF) positions have decreased, which could impact overall earnings for PTAs in those settings. Different employer types in Grand Rapids tend to offer varying hourly rates, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often providing competitive salaries. While some PTAs may choose to forgo higher pay in favor of health insurance benefits, others prioritize hourly wage potential over job security. For those navigating negotiations, understanding local pay standards can greatly improve outcomes when discussing pay rates in the Grand Rapids market.
More salary data for Grand Rapids, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Grand Rapids in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Grand Rapids?
Are physical therapist assistants in Grand Rapids paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Grand Rapids?
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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 Grand Rapids. 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