Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Bismarck, ND: $30.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Bismarck, ND runs $30.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,186 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Bismarck's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,911 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bismarck, North Dakota, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $30.38 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $33.77. This hourly wage reflects the earnings potential for physical therapist assistants working in varied settings such as outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy spaces. For part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $1,072 weekly, enabling them to balance work with other commitments while still maintaining a viable income. The hourly range for PTAs in this area starts at $22.29 for entry-level positions and can go up to $38.29 for seasoned professionals, offering a progressive path as skills and experience grow.
About the Bismarck Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.29 | $178.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.18 | $217.46 |
| Median (P50) | $30.38 | $243.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.27 | $274.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.29 | $306.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bismarck
Based on $30.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.38/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bismarck, ND can expect to earn approximately $63,185 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,453. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bismarck.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bismarck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,215.09 | $5,265 | $63,185 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.05 | $3,159 | $37,911 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.04 | $2,106 | $25,274 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Bismarck) | $30.38 |
| 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 Bismarck, ND earn a median of $63,186 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.05% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.40% below the North Dakota state average of $64,083.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.38/hr = $37,911/year (purchasing power: $41,207).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,185/year (purchasing power: $68,679).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Bismarck grew 16.3% from $25.42/hr (2019) to $29.57/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.21/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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck
For part-time physical therapist assistants, working 24 hours a week allows them to take home about $55,619 annually, which is significantly lower than their full-time counterparts who would receive higher earnings through increased hours and additional benefits. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Bismarck generally falls between $32 and $48 per hour, with particular opportunities in travel contracts ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. However, it's worth noting that many physical therapist assistants face reduced pay in skilled nursing facilities due to ongoing Medicare cuts. Compensation can vary between settings, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often providing higher rates compared to hospital inpatient rehab or home health agencies. Those accepting lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits, such as health insurance, may find it prudent to negotiate their pay in situations where benefits are not available; understanding local market rates can give these workers leverage in discussions.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Bismarck in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Bismarck?
Are physical therapist assistants in Bismarck paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Bismarck?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bismarck?
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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 Bismarck. 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 Bismarck 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