Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Branson, MO: $28.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Branson, MO runs $28.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,744 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Branson's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,244 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Branson, Missouri, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $28.24, which is significantly lower than the national median of $33.77. This pay rate reflects the local market dynamics and cost of living index, which stands at 89.6, suggesting a lower-than-average living cost. For part-time workers, like those scheduling three days a week, this translates to a solid income, particularly valuable in outpatient settings such as clinics and skilled nursing facilities. Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Branson can expect to earn around $21.62 per hour, while top earners may make up to $34.86 per hour. These figures indicate a broad salary range that can influence both career choices and job satisfaction for PTAs seeking flexible work environments.
About the Branson Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.62 | $173.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.82 | $206.53 |
| Median (P50) | $28.24 | $225.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.69 | $253.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.86 | $278.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Branson
Based on $28.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.24/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Branson, MO can expect to earn approximately $58,740 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,889. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Branson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Branson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,129.62 | $4,895 | $58,740 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $677.77 | $2,937 | $35,244 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $451.85 | $1,958 | $23,496 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Branson) | $28.24 |
| 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 Branson, MO earn a median of $58,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.38% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.10% below the Missouri state average of $63,234.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.24/hr = $35,244/year (purchasing power: $39,335).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,740/year (purchasing power: $65,558).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Branson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Branson grew 16.3% from $23.63/hr (2019) to $27.49/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.01/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 Branson 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 Branson
Part-time physical therapist assistants working in Branson who opt for a schedule of three days a week can expect to take home a substantial amount annually on their hourly rate, even if it's less than full-time earnings. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Branson typically ranges from $32 to $48 an hour, which can be appealing for those seeking flexibility or temporary contracts. Historically, travel PTA contracts offer enticing weekly pay of $1,200 to $1,800, but recent changes—particularly the 15% cut to Medicare Part B reimbursement rates for PTA services—have pressured pay structures in settings reliant on Medicare, like skilled nursing facilities. Hourly wages can vary depending on employer types, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often providing competitive rates, while skilled nursing facilities may offer lower wages due to reimbursement issues. PTAs must decide between positions that offer stable health benefits at lower pay or higher hourly rates with no benefits. To maximize their earning potential, they should be prepared to negotiate rates, especially in a market subtly affected by broader healthcare funding changes.
More salary data for Branson, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Branson. 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 Branson 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