Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Kentwood, MI: $33.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Kentwood, MI runs $33.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,325 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Kentwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,590 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kentwood, Michigan, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $33.33, slightly lower than the national average of $33.77. This rate is significant for both part-time and per-diem workers, who often find themselves in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. With entry-level positions starting around $23.78 and experienced professionals reaching up to $43.25 per hour, the pay for physical therapist assistants can vary widely based on experience and specific job settings. The hourly pay structure reflects estimates derived from annual salary data, yet it allows for flexibility in work schedules, making it suitable for individuals seeking a work-life balance in this rewarding field.
About the Kentwood 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) | $23.78 | $190.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.29 | $234.31 |
| Median (P50) | $33.33 | $266.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.37 | $306.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.25 | $345.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kentwood
Based on $33.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.33/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kentwood, MI can expect to earn approximately $69,317 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,991. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kentwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kentwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,333.02 | $5,776 | $69,317 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $799.81 | $3,466 | $41,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $533.21 | $2,311 | $27,727 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Kentwood) | $33.33 |
| 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 Kentwood, MI earn a median of $69,325 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.31% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 10.50% above the Michigan state average of $62,738.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.33/hr = $41,590/year (purchasing power: $44,625).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,317/year (purchasing power: $74,375).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Kentwood grew 16.3% from $27.89/hr (2019) to $32.44/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.24/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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood
Examining the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants reveals distinct differences compared to full-time roles. A PTA working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) in Kentwood could take home about $41,600 annually, which is considerably less than full-time salaries but still allows for a balanced lifestyle. For those considering per diem work, the compensation often falls between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel contracts offering substantial weekly pay between $1,200 and $1,800. However, recent Medicare cuts, effective since 2022, have affected pay in skilled nursing facilities, where agency rates have decreased. Pay structures also vary by employer type; outpatient clinics may offer higher hourly wages but less in benefits compared to skilled nursing facilities that provide health insurance. When negotiating, PTAs should weigh the pros and cons of compensation versus benefits, considering their unique circumstances and career goals while remaining aware of the financial landscape shaped by regulations and market trends.
More salary data for Kentwood, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Kentwood in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Kentwood?
Are physical therapist assistants in Kentwood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Kentwood?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kentwood?
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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 Kentwood. 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 Kentwood 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