Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $31.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Helena, MT runs $31.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,714 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,834 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Helena, MT is projected to be $31.12, which is slightly below the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate provides a competitive wage for those interested in part-time or per-diem work in various rehabilitation settings, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. The hourly pay range for physical therapist assistants in the area varies, with entry-level positions starting around $23.01, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $39.54. It's crucial to remember that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, giving aspiring PTAs a clear picture of potential earnings in a city where healthcare services are continuously in demand.
About the Helena Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.01 | $184.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.95 | $223.62 |
| Median (P50) | $31.12 | $248.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.09 | $288.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.54 | $316.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena
Based on $31.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.12/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $64,723 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,340. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Helena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,244.68 | $5,394 | $64,723 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $746.81 | $3,236 | $38,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.87 | $2,157 | $25,889 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Helena) | $31.12 |
| 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 Helena, MT earn a median of $64,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.88% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $67,551.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.12/hr = $38,834/year (purchasing power: $40,368).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,723/year (purchasing power: $67,280).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Helena grew 16.3% from $26.04/hr (2019) to $30.29/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.97/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 Helena 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 Helena
Exploring earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants reveals that a 3-day workweek (24 hours) could yield an annual income of approximately $39,000, contrasting with full-time professionals who typically earn around $64,714 yearly. Per diem work presents a different landscape, with PTAs often billing between $32 to $48 per hour. However, the downturn in reimbursement due to the 15% Medicare cut as of 2022 has created a more challenging environment, especially in skilled nursing facilities. Hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospital inpatient rehab, and pediatric clinics may offer differing pay scales. Some professionals may choose lower hourly rates for the benefits of health insurance, while others prefer the flexibility and potentially higher rates of independent or locum work. For successful negotiation in Helena, PTAs should research local rates, emphasize their unique skills, and consider the full compensation package, including benefits, when evaluating job offers.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Helena in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Helena?
Are physical therapist assistants in Helena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Helena?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Helena?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Montana
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 Helena. 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 Helena 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