Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Jacksonville, NC: $30.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Jacksonville, NC runs $30.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,467 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Jacksonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.1, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,077 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jacksonville, North Carolina, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $30.51. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $33.77, reflecting the local market's dynamics. For part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants, working in settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health, this hourly rate translates into different earning potentials. A part-time worker, typically putting in three days a week, can expect to earn significantly while enjoying more flexibility. The hourly range spans from $25.84, indicative of entry-level positions, up to $37.40 for top earners, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.84 | $206.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.21 | $233.65 |
| Median (P50) | $30.51 | $244.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.16 | $265.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.40 | $299.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jacksonville
Based on $30.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.51/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jacksonville, NC can expect to earn approximately $63,462 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,613. With a cost-of-living index of 92.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jacksonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jacksonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,220.43 | $5,289 | $63,462 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $732.26 | $3,173 | $38,077 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.17 | $2,115 | $25,385 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Jacksonville) | $30.51 |
| 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 Jacksonville, NC earn a median of $63,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.65% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.50% below the North Carolina state average of $66,457.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.51/hr = $38,077/year (purchasing power: $41,350).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,462/year (purchasing power: $68,917).
CoL index: 92.085 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Jacksonville grew 16.3% from $25.53/hr (2019) to $29.70/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.34/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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
For physical therapist assistants considering part-time work in Jacksonville, the financial outcomes can vary substantially compared to full-time roles. A 24-hour workweek might yield around $37,257 annually, which is considerably lower than the full-time income but appealing for those balancing education or other commitments. For per diem opportunities, the pay structures often shift—while many bill between $32 and $48 per hour for agency work, traveling PTA contracts currently range from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. Given the 2022 Medicare cuts that affected skilled nursing facilities, some may find that hourly rates at these institutions have declined as reimbursement rates tightened. The hourly pay for PTAs also fluctuates significantly based on the employer type. Outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer better compensation compared to pediatric clinics or home health agencies. In weighing options, many professionals must consider the trade-offs between higher pay rates without benefits versus lower rates that include health insurance. It is advisable for PTAs to negotiate based on their specific skill sets and qualifications as they engage with potential employers in Jacksonville.
More salary data for Jacksonville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Jacksonville in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Jacksonville?
Are physical therapist assistants in Jacksonville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Jacksonville?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Jacksonville?
Related Pages
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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 Jacksonville. 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