Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Gastonia, NC: $34.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Gastonia, NC runs $34.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,101 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Gastonia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,667 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gastonia, North Carolina, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $34.19 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $33.77. This competitive rate means that part-time workers, such as those opting for a schedule of three days a week, can take home a significant paycheck while enjoying a better work-life balance. Per-diem physical therapist assistants also benefit, as common hourly rates can vary widely within a range of approximately $24.16 to $44.11, depending on factors like experience and setting. Entry-level professionals in Gastonia can expect to earn towards the lower end of this spectrum, while seasoned PTAs can reach the higher echelons of pay. These figures are derived from annual salary data and reflect the growing demand for qualified PTAs in various environments, including outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and skilled nursing facilities.
About the Gastonia Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.16 | $193.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.89 | $239.16 |
| Median (P50) | $34.19 | $273.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.18 | $313.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.11 | $352.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gastonia
Based on $34.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.19/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gastonia, NC can expect to earn approximately $71,112 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,026. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gastonia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gastonia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,367.54 | $5,926 | $71,112 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $820.53 | $3,556 | $42,667 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $547.02 | $2,370 | $28,445 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Gastonia) | $34.19 |
| 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 Gastonia, NC earn a median of $71,101 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.22% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 7.00% above the North Carolina state average of $66,450.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.19/hr = $42,667/year (purchasing power: $45,585).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,112/year (purchasing power: $75,975).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Gastonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Gastonia grew 16.3% from $28.61/hr (2019) to $33.28/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.12/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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia
For those considering part-time opportunities in physical therapy, a PTA working three days a week, approximately 24 hours, stands to earn about $37,196 annually compared to a full-time staff member's potential earnings of over $71,101. However, many PTAs in Gastonia choose to pursue per-diem positions, which offer flexibility but can also yield unpredictable income. Rates for per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Gastonia can range between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts sometimes offering $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. Hourly pay often varies depending on the employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics typically providing higher rates than skilled nursing facilities, particularly as these facilities have faced pay compression post-2022 Medicare rate adjustments. While some PTAs in Gastonia might accept slightly lower wages in exchange for health benefits, others may prioritize hourly pay without benefits, balancing their choices based on individual financial needs and career goals. Negotiating pay effectively requires understanding the local market dynamics and being aware of the unique compensation structures within diverse work settings.
More salary data for Gastonia, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Gastonia in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Gastonia?
Are physical therapist assistants in Gastonia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Gastonia?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Gastonia?
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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 Gastonia. 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 Gastonia 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