Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Maryland Heights, MO: $29.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Maryland Heights, MO runs $29.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,086 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Maryland Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,257 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Maryland Heights, Missouri, physical therapist assistants earn around $29.85 per hour according to estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026. This hourly rate is notably lower than the national median of $33.77 per hour, which might influence the decision-making of aspiring PTAs in the region. Those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, could expect to bring home a significant income while enjoying a balanced lifestyle. The hourly pay for physical therapist assistants ranges from $20.96 at the entry level to $39.33 for the most experienced professionals. These rates reflect the various settings in which PTAs work, including outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities, and highlight the diversity of the role across different practice environments.
About the Maryland Heights 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) | $20.96 | $167.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.92 | $207.35 |
| Median (P50) | $29.85 | $238.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.13 | $265.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.33 | $314.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maryland Heights
Based on $29.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.85/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maryland Heights, MO can expect to earn approximately $62,095 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,824. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Maryland Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maryland Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,194.13 | $5,175 | $62,095 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $716.48 | $3,105 | $37,257 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.65 | $2,070 | $24,838 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Maryland Heights) | $29.85 |
| 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 Maryland Heights, MO earn a median of $62,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.62% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.80% below the Missouri state average of $63,224.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.85/hr = $37,257/year (purchasing power: $41,581).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,095/year (purchasing power: $69,302).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Maryland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Maryland Heights grew 16.3% from $24.98/hr (2019) to $29.06/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.67/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 Maryland Heights 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 Maryland Heights
Evaluating the financial prospects for part-time physical therapist assistants in Maryland Heights reveals that those working 24 hours a week could earn approximately $37,162 annually, a figure that holds its own against full-time earnings. Per diem physical therapist assistants can anticipate varied pay, frequently billing between $32 and $48 an hour, while those taking on travel contracts see weekly compensation ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. However, due to the 15% Medicare cut initiated in 2022, some positions in skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates than expected. The hourly pay of PTAs can fluctuate depending on the employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing rehab, and home health agencies all impacting compensation differently. When negotiating pay, potential hires should weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages against the stability and health insurance that may come with lower hourly options.
More salary data for Maryland Heights, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Maryland Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Maryland Heights?
Are physical therapist assistants in Maryland Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Maryland Heights?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Maryland Heights?
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 Maryland Heights. 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 Maryland Heights 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