Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Kearney, NE: $29.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Kearney, NE runs $29.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,897 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Kearney's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,142 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $29.76 in 2026, which reflects a notable gap compared to the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate provides earning opportunities for part-time workers, particularly those on three-day schedules, allowing them to balance work with education or personal interests. Many physical therapist assistants find jobs in various settings, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services. The hourly range varies considerably, with entry-level pay starting at around $22.28, while experienced professionals can earn up to $38.14 per hour. These estimates, drawn from projected annual salary data, offer a realistic view of the earnings landscape in Kearney, NE, for those pursuing this career.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.28 | $178.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.94 | $215.49 |
| Median (P50) | $29.76 | $238.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.07 | $272.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.14 | $305.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearney
Based on $29.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.76/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearney, NE can expect to earn approximately $61,903 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,713. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kearney.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearney
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,190.44 | $5,159 | $61,903 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.26 | $3,095 | $37,142 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.17 | $2,063 | $24,761 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Kearney) | $29.76 |
| 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 Kearney, NE earn a median of $61,897 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $64,275.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.76/hr = $37,142/year (purchasing power: $40,592).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,903/year (purchasing power: $67,653).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Kearney grew 16.3% from $24.91/hr (2019) to $28.97/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.57/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 Kearney 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 Kearney
Earnings potential varies based on employment type and work settings for physical therapist assistants in Kearney. For instance, a part-time PTA working three days a week (around 24 hours) could take home approximately $37,088 annually, compared to full-time PTAs earning closer to $61,897 per year. Alternatively, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Kearney can range between $32-$48 per hour, depending on demand. Travel PTA contracts typically offer weekly payments from $1,200 to $1,800, although the Medicare reimbursement cuts effective in 2022 have decreased the premiums in skilled nursing facilities. Facility types influence hourly wages, with outpatient orthopedic clinics generally paying higher than home health agencies, while entry-level positions might offer lower rates. PTAs should consider the benefits trade-off when accepting positions; those opting for higher hourly wages might sacrifice job benefits, making negotiation essential, especially in Kearney's competitive job market.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Kearney in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Kearney?
Are physical therapist assistants in Kearney paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Kearney?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kearney?
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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 Kearney. 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 Kearney 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