Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Livonia, MI: $29.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Livonia, MI runs $29.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,825 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Livonia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,090 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Livonia, Michigan, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $29.72 by 2026. This rate is notably lower than the national median of $33.77, indicating a competitive yet challenging environment for PTAs in the area. For those considering part-time work—perhaps three days a week—this translates to an earnings structure that allows for flexibility while still providing decent compensation. Per-diem workers within this profession might find opportunities across various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health scenarios. The hourly range for PTAs in Livonia is expected to stretch from $21.70 for entry-level positions to as high as $37.52 for experienced practitioners, showcasing a pathway for professional growth and development.
About the Livonia 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) | $21.70 | $173.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.58 | $212.61 |
| Median (P50) | $29.72 | $237.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.50 | $268.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.52 | $300.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Livonia
Based on $29.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.72/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Livonia, MI can expect to earn approximately $61,817 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,664. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Livonia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Livonia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,188.79 | $5,151 | $61,817 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $713.27 | $3,091 | $37,090 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $475.52 | $2,061 | $24,727 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Livonia) | $29.72 |
| 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 Livonia, MI earn a median of $61,825 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.99% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.50% below the Michigan state average of $62,766.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.72/hr = $37,090/year (purchasing power: $39,796).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,817/year (purchasing power: $66,327).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Livonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Livonia grew 16.3% from $24.87/hr (2019) to $28.93/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.53/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 Livonia 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 Livonia
Looking closer at part-time potential, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week could take home about $36,017 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. In the per-diem realm, agency PTAs can earn between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel contracts providing further lucrative options, often billing $1,200 to $1,800 per week. It's important to note how employer types influence pay; outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer competitive rates, while settings like skilled nursing facilities may experience fluctuations due to the 15% Medicare cut in 2022. With varying styles of employment, many assistants must balance lower hourly rates for roles with comprehensive benefits against higher pay options without health coverage. Practical negotiation skills are vital in Livonia's market; understanding the local demand and value of your expertise can greatly enhance one's earning potential.
More salary data for Livonia, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Livonia in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Livonia?
Are physical therapist assistants in Livonia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Livonia?
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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 Livonia. 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 Livonia 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