Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Asheville, NC: $31.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Asheville, NC runs $31.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,603 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Asheville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.5, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,360 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Asheville, North Carolina, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $31.54, which is slightly lower than the national median of $33.77. This compensation reflects the local market conditions and the cost of living, which is below the national average. For physical therapist assistants working part-time—typically around three days per week—the pay translates to a manageable income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules, which can be appealing for those balancing life’s other commitments. The hourly wage range spans from $21.81 for entry-level positions to $38.41 for the most experienced professionals, highlighting the potential for growth in this field. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.81 | $174.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.23 | $241.87 |
| Median (P50) | $31.54 | $252.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.28 | $290.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.41 | $307.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Asheville
Based on $31.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.54/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Asheville, NC can expect to earn approximately $65,599 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,846. With a cost-of-living index of 96.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Asheville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Asheville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,261.52 | $5,467 | $65,599 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $756.91 | $3,280 | $39,360 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $504.61 | $2,187 | $26,240 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Asheville) | $31.54 |
| 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 Asheville, NC earn a median of $65,603 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.61% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.20% below the North Carolina state average of $66,400.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.54/hr = $39,360/year (purchasing power: $40,785).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,599/year (purchasing power: $67,974).
CoL index: 96.506 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Asheville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Asheville grew 7.9% from $28.45/hr (2019) to $30.70/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.40/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 Asheville 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 Asheville
When it comes to earning potential, part-time physical therapist assistants can expect to take home approximately $39,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts, who may exceed $65,000 yearly. The per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Asheville tends to range between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel contracts offering weekly rates between $1,200 and $1,800. However, the recent cuts in Medicare reimbursement have led to premium pay reductions in skilled nursing facilities, presenting a mixed bag of opportunities. Hourly rates also vary by employer type; outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric settings each have their pay structures. Some PTAs may choose lower-paying roles with benefits over higher hourly wages without insurance, reflecting a trade-off between immediate earnings and long-term security. In this evolving market, negotiation is crucial—PTAs should articulate their value based on specific skills, certifications, and extensive knowledge in rehabilitation practices when discussing pay.
More salary data for Asheville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Asheville in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Asheville?
Are physical therapist assistants in Asheville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Asheville?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Asheville?
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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 Asheville. 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