Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Lansing, MI: $30.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Lansing, MI runs $30.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,398 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Lansing's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.0, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,436 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Lansing, Michigan, the typical physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $30.00, which is slightly below the national median of $33.77. This rate provides insights into the earning potential for PTAs working in a variety of settings, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. Those entering the field can expect to earn around $16.74 per hour at the 10th percentile, while top earners may reach up to $36.68 per hour. For part-time workers operating on a three-day workweek, this median pay translates to a stable income that may meet basic living expenses. Per-diem PTAs also create flexible working opportunities, allowing them to navigate various settings while enjoying competitive payment structures driven by demand and skill level.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.74 | $133.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.98 | $191.82 |
| Median (P50) | $30.00 | $239.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.79 | $254.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.68 | $293.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lansing
Based on $30.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.00/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lansing, MI can expect to earn approximately $62,394 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,997. With a cost-of-living index of 94.99 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lansing.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lansing
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,199.89 | $5,200 | $62,394 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.93 | $3,120 | $37,436 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.95 | $2,080 | $24,958 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Lansing) | $30.00 |
| 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 Lansing, MI earn a median of $62,398 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.17% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.60% below the Michigan state average of $62,775.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.00/hr = $37,436/year (purchasing power: $39,411).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,394/year (purchasing power: $65,684).
CoL index: 94.991 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lansing (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lansing grew 13.0% from $25.85/hr (2019) to $29.20/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.82/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 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 Lansing
Those opting for part-time positions in Lansing can expect varying annual take-home pay when working just three days a week, totaling around 24 hours. This setup allows for a more balanced lifestyle but typically results in a significantly lower income than full-time roles. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Lansing is notably lucrative; many professionals in this arrangement bill rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour. However, it's important to note that recent shifts in Medicare reimbursement policies, including the 15% cut effective in 2022, have pressured hourly rates within skilled nursing facilities. While outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer a higher hourly rate, PT assistants must also consider the benefits of securing full-time positions with greater job security. Negotiating for higher pay can often depend on the setting; thus, identifying the right employer can prove crucial in maximizing hourly compensation in Lansing, MI.
More salary data for Lansing, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lansing in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Lansing?
Are physical therapist assistants in Lansing paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in 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 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
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