Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Ypsilanti, MI: $28.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Ypsilanti, MI runs $28.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,376 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Ypsilanti's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,026 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly median pay for a physical therapist assistant (PTA) in Ypsilanti, Michigan, is projected to be $28.07. This figure sits approximately 16.90% below the national hourly median of $33.77, indicating a nuanced compensation environment for PTAs in the local market. Such an hourly rate offers a reasonable income for part-time workers, particularly those working three days a week, coupled with various employment settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. The hourly pay also spans a range from $21.65 at entry-level positions to $35.65 for top earners, allowing flexibility for different career paths. Moreover, while salary estimates derive from annual data, they provide a useful framework for understanding how hourly compensation translates into weekly and monthly earnings.
About the Ypsilanti 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) | $21.65 | $173.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.69 | $205.54 |
| Median (P50) | $28.07 | $224.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.11 | $256.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.65 | $285.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ypsilanti
Based on $28.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.07/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ypsilanti, MI can expect to earn approximately $58,377 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,679. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ypsilanti.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ypsilanti
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,122.63 | $4,865 | $58,377 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $673.58 | $2,919 | $35,026 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.05 | $1,946 | $23,351 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Ypsilanti) | $28.07 |
| 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 Ypsilanti, MI earn a median of $58,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.00% below the Michigan state average of $62,770.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.07/hr = $35,026/year (purchasing power: $37,582).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,377/year (purchasing power: $62,636).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Ypsilanti (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Ypsilanti grew 16.3% from $23.49/hr (2019) to $27.32/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.83/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 Ypsilanti 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 Ypsilanti
Considering part-time work, a PTA engaging in a schedule of 24 hours per week could expect to earn around $36,087 annually, significantly less than a full-time position would generate. Many PTAs pursue per diem opportunities, which can command rates between $32 and $48 per hour, making it a competitive choice for those seeking flexibility. However, market pressures, such as the 15% pay cut in Medicare reimbursements for PTA services enacted in 2022, have led to declines in agency rates, especially in skilled nursing facilities. It's essential to recognize how employer types influence earnings; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer more competitive hourly rates compared to pediatric clinics or school therapy programs, which may pay less but provide benefits like health insurance. For negotiations, understanding the average pay structure and the impacts of staffing shortages can empower PTAs in Ypsilanti to advocate effectively for their value, whether working full-time or per diem.
More salary data for Ypsilanti, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Ypsilanti in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Ypsilanti?
Are physical therapist assistants in Ypsilanti paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Ypsilanti?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ypsilanti?
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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 Ypsilanti. 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 Ypsilanti 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