Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbus, OH: $34.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Columbus, OH runs $34.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,377 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,834 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Columbus, OH, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $34.32, which is slightly above the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This salary provides a comfortable living for professionals working in various environments, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. Hourly earnings in Columbus range from $27.80 at the entry-level to as high as $47.54 for the most experienced practitioners, allowing for competitive compensation whether working part-time—averaging around three days per week—or in per-diem positions that offer additional flexibility. As this data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS projections, it reflects the current demand for physical therapist services and highlights the potential for sound financial stability in this field.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.80 | $222.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.49 | $235.95 |
| Median (P50) | $34.32 | $274.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.21 | $313.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.54 | $380.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $34.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.32/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, OH can expect to earn approximately $71,390 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,187. With a cost-of-living index of 95.47 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,372.88 | $5,949 | $71,390 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $823.73 | $3,569 | $42,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $549.15 | $2,380 | $28,556 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Columbus) | $34.32 |
| 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 Columbus, OH earn a median of $71,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.61% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 9.20% above the Ohio state average of $65,363.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.32/hr = $42,834/year (purchasing power: $44,867).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,390/year (purchasing power: $74,778).
CoL index: 95.469 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Columbus grew 23.8% from $26.99/hr (2019) to $33.41/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.26/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Consider the implications of per diem roles and part-time schedules within this profession. A physical therapist assistant working three days a week for 24 hours annually might take home approximately $53,036, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Those opting for per diem assignments often encounter billing rates between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts averaging between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. However, the influx of new pay dynamics, notably following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut effective 2022, has led to decreased funding in settings reliant on Medicare, like skilled nursing facilities. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer higher hourly rates compared to hospital environments, but the trade-off between higher pay and benefits can influence decisions. As a practical strategy, physical therapist assistants in Columbus should emphasize their certification and track record when negotiating pay, ensuring they receive equitable compensation for their vital contributions to patient care.
More salary data for Columbus, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Columbus?
Are physical therapist assistants in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Columbus?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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 Columbus. 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