Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Norfolk, NE: $28.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Norfolk, NE runs $28.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,861 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,911 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Nebraska, the projected physical therapist assistant hourly pay for 2026 is $28.77, which is significantly lower than the national median of $33.77. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, this translates to approximately $1,150 per week, making it feasible for those pursuing careers in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health settings. Entry-level physical therapist assistants can expect to earn around $22.14 an hour, while those in top-tier positions can approach $35.64 per hour, reflecting a healthy range that accommodates various experience levels. It's essential to keep in mind that these hourly rates are estimates based on projected annual salary data, yet they provide a clear framework for understanding the earning potential in Norfolk's market.
About the Norfolk 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) | $22.14 | $177.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.39 | $211.13 |
| Median (P50) | $28.77 | $230.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.37 | $258.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.64 | $285.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $28.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.77/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, NE can expect to earn approximately $59,851 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,530. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,150.99 | $4,988 | $59,851 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $690.59 | $2,993 | $35,911 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.39 | $1,995 | $23,941 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Norfolk) | $28.77 |
| 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 Norfolk, NE earn a median of $59,861 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.78% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $64,297.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.77/hr = $35,911/year (purchasing power: $39,247).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,851/year (purchasing power: $65,411).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Norfolk grew 16.3% from $24.08/hr (2019) to $28.01/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.56/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
When examining the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants in Norfolk, those working 24 hours a week would bring home an estimated annual income of approximately $36,000, compared to full-time counterparts earning nearly $59,861. For professionals considering per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Norfolk, opportunities often arise in outpatient settings, where rates typically range from $32 to $48 per hour. Travel contract positions can be lucrative, offering weekly pay rates between $1,200 and $1,800, though skilled nursing facilities have seen a reduction in agency PTA premium pay following the 15% Medicare cut in 2022. Additionally, each employer type offers varying compensation structures; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics may provide better hourly rates than school therapy programs, but the trade-off could include benefits such as health insurance with lower wages. Physical therapist assistants should evaluate their priorities when negotiating pay, especially in a market where some may choose slightly lower hourly rates for job security and benefits.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Norfolk?
Are physical therapist assistants in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Norfolk?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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