Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Rochester Hills, MI: $29.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Rochester Hills, MI runs $29.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,356 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Rochester Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,411 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rochester Hills, Michigan, the physical therapist assistant (PTA) hourly pay is projected to be $29.98 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $33.77, reflecting regional variations in demand and the cost of living, given the local index sits at 93.2. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a steady income that supports flexibility within outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care settings. The hourly pay range for PTAs in the area extends from a modest $20.01 for entry-level positions up to $40.18 for experienced professionals, which showcases opportunities for growth as PTAs develop their skills and gain experience.
About the Rochester Hills 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) | $20.01 | $160.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.11 | $216.88 |
| Median (P50) | $29.98 | $239.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.28 | $282.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.18 | $321.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester Hills
Based on $29.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.98/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester Hills, MI can expect to earn approximately $62,351 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,972. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,199.06 | $5,196 | $62,351 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.44 | $3,118 | $37,411 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.63 | $2,078 | $24,941 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Rochester Hills) | $29.98 |
| 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 Rochester Hills, MI earn a median of $62,356 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.23% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.60% below the Michigan state average of $62,732.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.98/hr = $37,411/year (purchasing power: $40,140).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,351/year (purchasing power: $66,901).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Rochester Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Rochester Hills grew 16.3% from $25.09/hr (2019) to $29.18/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.79/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 Rochester Hills 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 Rochester Hills
Analyzing the earning potential for PTAs in Rochester Hills reveals more about the job market and its complexities. For instance, a PTA working part-time at 24 hours a week, typically earns $37,166 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time counterparts who can generate over $62,356. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Rochester Hills often ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, advantageous for those seeking flexible schedules. However, the recent 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement rates for PTA services has pressured wages in skilled nursing facilities, requiring many PTAs to reassess their roles and negotiate pay with employers. This means working in outpatient orthopedic clinics may yield better hourly rates compared to SNF roles. Ultimately, PTAs must weigh the benefits of stable employment and health insurance against potentially higher hourly wages in agency work that may lack these benefits. For those in the field, effective negotiation strategies, such as understanding market rates and the specific needs of employers, remain essential in securing favorable compensation.
More salary data for Rochester Hills, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Rochester Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Rochester Hills?
Are physical therapist assistants in Rochester Hills paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Rochester Hills?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Rochester Hills?
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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 Rochester Hills. 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 Rochester Hills 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