Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Cleveland, OH: $32.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Cleveland, OH runs $32.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,569 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.9, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,936 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cleveland, Ohio, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $32.00 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $33.77. This wage presents a stable earning opportunity for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy environments. For PTAs working part-time, averaging three days a week, this hourly rate can suit a flexible lifestyle while still providing a decent income. Entry-level positions start around $27.85 per hour, with experienced practitioners reaching up to $41.19, reflecting a diverse landscape for new and seasoned professionals alike. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.85 | $222.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.98 | $239.81 |
| Median (P50) | $32.00 | $256.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.43 | $299.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.19 | $329.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $32.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.00/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, OH can expect to earn approximately $66,561 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,400. With a cost-of-living index of 93.92 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,280.02 | $5,547 | $66,561 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $768.01 | $3,328 | $39,936 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $512.01 | $2,219 | $26,624 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Cleveland) | $32.00 |
| 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 Cleveland, OH earn a median of $66,569 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.24% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.80% above the Ohio state average of $65,392.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.00/hr = $39,936/year (purchasing power: $42,520).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,561/year (purchasing power: $70,867).
CoL index: 93.923 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Cleveland grew 6.8% from $29.17/hr (2019) to $31.15/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.87/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Part-time physical therapist assistants in Cleveland can see significant earning differences compared to full-time counterparts. For instance, a PTA working 24 hours a week at the median rate could expect an annual income of approximately $49,920, while full-time professionals enjoy the benefits of a larger salary. Those in per-diem roles can bill anywhere from $32 to $48 per hour, with contracts for travel PTAs generating between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. Yet, due to the 15% cut from Medicare's reimbursement rate, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, some agencies may offer lower hourly pay. Hourly rates can vary based on employer types, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often providing competitive wages compared to home health and school therapy programs, where rates may be lower. Some PTAs opt for positions that include health benefits at a lower hourly rate, while others may prioritize higher pay without health coverage. When negotiating pay rates, consider the local cost of living, and don't hesitate to advocate for a compensation package that reflects your experience and market demand.
More salary data for Cleveland, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Cleveland in 2026?
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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 Cleveland. 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