Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Mount Pleasant, MI: $28.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Mount Pleasant, MI runs $28.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,547 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Mount Pleasant's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,129 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mount Pleasant, MI, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $28.15, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77. This difference can significantly impact part-time and per-diem workers, who often operate in settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or during home health visits. For instance, with a typical schedule of working three days a week, a PTA might find themselves earning a consistent income while gaining valuable experience. The hourly pay scale ranges from $21.82 for entry-level positions to $34.87 for seasoned professionals, providing a spectrum of opportunities for individuals entering this rewarding career. It's important to note that these hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary data, which further emphasizes the financial considerations involved for those considering the field.
About the Mount Pleasant 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) | $21.82 | $174.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.87 | $206.94 |
| Median (P50) | $28.15 | $225.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.69 | $245.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.87 | $278.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Pleasant
Based on $28.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.15/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Pleasant, MI can expect to earn approximately $58,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,778. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Pleasant.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Pleasant
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,125.92 | $4,879 | $58,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $675.55 | $2,927 | $35,129 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.37 | $1,952 | $23,419 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Mount Pleasant) | $28.15 |
| 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 Mount Pleasant, MI earn a median of $58,547 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.66% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 6.70% below the Michigan state average of $62,751.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.15/hr = $35,129/year (purchasing power: $37,692).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,548/year (purchasing power: $62,820).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Mount Pleasant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Mount Pleasant grew 16.3% from $23.56/hr (2019) to $27.40/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.92/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 Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant
Examining the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants underscores the distinction between part-time and full-time roles. A PTA working 24 hours a week could anticipate bringing home around $35,190 annually, while full-time positions offer more robust financial benefits and stability. In the realm of per-diem work, physical therapist assistants can see compensation rates between $32 and $48 per hour, especially through agencies that also offer travel contracts ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. However, the recent 15% Medicare cut has affected pay in skilled nursing facilities, pushing some facilities to offer lower premiums in light of tighter budgets. Various employer types contribute to the nature of hourly rates; outpatient clinics might provide a different wage structure than hospital inpatient rehab or pediatric clinics. For many PTAs, a trade-off exists between accepting a lower hourly rate that includes health benefits versus a higher pay rate without the safety net of insurance, leading to practical negotiations that can significantly impact career trajectories in Mount Pleasant's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Mount Pleasant, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Mount Pleasant in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Mount Pleasant?
Are physical therapist assistants in Mount Pleasant paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Mount Pleasant?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Mount Pleasant?
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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 Mount Pleasant. 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 Mount Pleasant 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