Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Reno, NV: $38.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Reno, NV runs $38.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,308 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Reno's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,590 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For those considering a career as a physical therapist assistant (PTA) in Reno, NV, the projected hourly rate of $38.13 is notably higher than the national median of $33.77. This competitive pay reflects Reno's cost of living, which is slightly above the national average. For part-time workers, particularly those willing to put in three days a week, the hourly pay can make a significant impact. PTAs in this profession typically work in various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The hourly wage ranges from $28.02 for entry-level positions to $39.96 for experienced professionals, providing ample earning potential for those transitioning from school or considering part-time or per-diem opportunities.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.02 | $224.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.06 | $256.50 |
| Median (P50) | $38.13 | $305.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.50 | $316.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.96 | $319.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reno
Based on $38.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.13/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reno, NV can expect to earn approximately $79,317 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,760. With a cost-of-living index of 101.01 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Reno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,525.34 | $6,610 | $79,317 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $915.20 | $3,966 | $47,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $610.13 | $2,644 | $31,727 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Reno) | $38.13 |
| 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 Reno, NV earn a median of $79,308 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.90% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 14.90% above the Nevada state average of $69,023.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.13/hr = $47,590/year (purchasing power: $47,113).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,317/year (purchasing power: $78,521).
CoL index: 101.014 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Reno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Reno grew 16.3% from $31.91/hr (2019) to $37.12/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.17/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 Reno 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 Reno
Focusing on the earning potential, a physical therapist assistant working part-time at 24 hours a week can make approximately $47,800 annually, compared to a full-time PTA. Meanwhile, per diem physical therapist assistants often bill between $32 and $48 per hour, giving them the flexibility to either supplement their income or seek more lucrative opportunities through agency contracts, which can pay between $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. It's important to note that not all employers offer the same rates; outpatient orthopedic clinics generally provide better pay compared to skilled nursing facilities, especially under the current constraints due to the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affecting many settings. Some PTAs might choose lower hourly rates for the benefits of health insurance, while others might pursue higher hourly wages without benefits. Negotiation is key: understanding employer needs and demonstrating value can lead to better compensation in Reno’s competitive job market.
More salary data for Reno, NV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Reno in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Reno?
Are physical therapist assistants in Reno paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Reno?
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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 Reno. 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, 6-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