Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $28.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Lincoln, NE runs $28.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,251 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,154 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lincoln, Nebraska, the hourly compensation for physical therapist assistants is projected at $28.97 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This hourly wage reflects the financial landscape that part-time and per-diem workers navigate, especially those in frequently utilized settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health. Within the local market, the hourly range spans from $22.94 for entry-level positions to $37.52 for experienced practitioners, highlighting varied earning potential even within the same job title. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, underscore the economic dynamics specific to Lincoln, where the cost of living is below the national average, influencing compensation levels.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.94 | $183.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.06 | $200.45 |
| Median (P50) | $28.97 | $231.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.71 | $261.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.52 | $300.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $28.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.97/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $60,257 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,764. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,158.79 | $5,021 | $60,257 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $695.28 | $3,013 | $36,154 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.52 | $2,009 | $24,103 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Lincoln) | $28.97 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $60,251 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.23% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 6.30% below the Nebraska state average of $64,302.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.97/hr = $36,154/year (purchasing power: $39,478).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,257/year (purchasing power: $65,797).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lincoln grew 8.6% from $25.96/hr (2019) to $28.20/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.76/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
For physical therapist assistants working part-time, such as on a 3-day workweek schedule, the financial outlook can vary substantially compared to their full-time counterparts. A typical part-time assistant working 24 hours a week might take home around $43,264 annually. In contrast, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Lincoln tends to fall between $32 and $48 per hour, offering flexibility for those seeking varied employment arrangements. While travel positions may provide lucrative contracts ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly, the recent 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements drastically impacted PTA pay, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, hourly rates can differ depending on placement; outpatient orthopedics often pay at the higher end compared to home health agencies or school therapy programs. For those negotiating salaries, understanding the benefit trade-offs between lower hourly pay and health insurance options is vital, making it essential for PTAs to stay informed about local job markets and employer offerings in Lincoln, NE.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lincoln in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Lincoln?
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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 Lincoln. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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