Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Midland, MI: $28.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Midland, MI runs $28.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,000 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Midland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,001 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Midland, Michigan, the physical therapist assistant earns a median hourly rate of $28.85, which is notably below the national median of $33.77. This difference can significantly impact those considering part-time or per diem work in the field. For a physical therapist assistant working three days a week, typically in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health visits, the hourly wage translates into a practical income aligned with community living costs. The hourly range for these professionals in Midland spans from $21.25 at the entry-level (P10) up to $36.57 for top earners (P90), reflecting a spectrum that caters to varying experience and skill levels within the profession. Understanding these figures is essential for individuals evaluating their career choices, especially in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive.
About the Midland 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) | $21.25 | $170.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.86 | $206.86 |
| Median (P50) | $28.85 | $230.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.40 | $267.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.57 | $292.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Midland
Based on $28.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.85/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Midland, MI can expect to earn approximately $60,001 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,616. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Midland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Midland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,153.86 | $5,000 | $60,001 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $692.32 | $3,000 | $36,001 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.55 | $2,000 | $24,000 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Midland) | $28.85 |
| 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 Midland, MI earn a median of $60,000 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.59% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.40% below the Michigan state average of $62,762.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.85/hr = $36,001/year (purchasing power: $38,627).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,001/year (purchasing power: $64,379).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Midland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Midland grew 21.1% from $23.19/hr (2019) to $28.08/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.63/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 Midland 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 Midland
Considering the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants in Midland, those working a standard 24-hour weekly schedule may see significantly lower annual take-home pay compared to their full-time counterparts. In contrast, per diem positions offer a different pay structure, with physical therapist assistants able to bill between $32 and $48 per hour for agency work, while travel contracts might provide weekly pay ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. However, it's essential to note that pay rates can vary by employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics or pediatric centers may offer different compensation levels compared to skilled nursing facilities or hospital inpatient rehab settings. Some PTAs choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay through contracts that lack such perks. Negotiating effectively with Midland employers can revolve around articulating the value brought to patient care, while also navigating the implications of the 2022 Medicare cuts, which have influenced pay across facilities that predominantly rely on Medicare reimbursements.
More salary data for Midland, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Midland in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Midland?
Are physical therapist assistants in Midland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Midland?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Midland?
Related Pages
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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 Midland. 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 Midland 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