Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Fargo, ND: $31.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Fargo, ND runs $31.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,286 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Fargo's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,770 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fargo, North Dakota, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $31.87, slightly lower than the national median of $33.77. This translates to earnings that are quite manageable for part-time or per-diem workers, especially when considering typical setups like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health services. For PTAs working part-time, such as three days a week, these hourly rates can provide a stable income while allowing for flexibility. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in Fargo stretches from $20.96 for entry-level positions to $41.72 for top earners, reflecting varying levels of experience and specialization within the field.
About the Fargo 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) | $20.96 | $167.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.72 | $213.76 |
| Median (P50) | $31.87 | $254.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.67 | $293.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.72 | $333.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fargo
Based on $31.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.87/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fargo, ND can expect to earn approximately $66,283 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,240. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fargo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fargo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,274.67 | $5,524 | $66,283 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.80 | $3,314 | $39,770 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.87 | $2,209 | $26,513 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Fargo) | $31.87 |
| 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 Fargo, ND earn a median of $66,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.64% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.40% above the North Dakota state average of $64,106.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.87/hr = $39,770/year (purchasing power: $43,228).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,283/year (purchasing power: $72,047).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Fargo grew 33.8% from $23.19/hr (2019) to $31.02/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.74/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 Fargo 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 Fargo
As many professionals in Fargo seek part-time opportunities, they might wonder what that translates to annually. A physical therapist assistant working 24 hours per week could earn around $39,804 each year, which is significantly less than a full-time counterpart but still provides a reasonable income for many. The landscape of per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Fargo generally falls within the range of $32 to $48 per hour, often creating appeal for those looking to maximize their wages while maintaining flexibility. Different employer types can influence pay rates; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer higher rates compared to skilled nursing facilities, where the impact of the recent 15% Medicare cut affects reimbursement for PTA services. Many PTAs must weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against job stability and health insurance; this means some may choose lower hourly wages with benefits over higher pay without. For those negotiating in Fargo, being informed about local rates and highlighting relevant experience can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Fargo in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Fargo?
Are physical therapist assistants in Fargo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Fargo?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fargo?
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 Fargo. 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 Fargo 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