Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Lima, OH: $29.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Lima, OH runs $29.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,069 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Lima's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.7, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,244 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lima, Ohio, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $29.84 in 2026, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $33.77. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this rate translates to a gross income of approximately $23,500 annually, positioning them in an essential role across various healthcare environments. The inherent variability in hourly wages ranges from an entry-level pay of $24.12 to a peak of $31.15 for seasoned professionals. Physical therapist assistants often find themselves in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health settings, where this hourly compensation reflects the responsibilities associated with their roles under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, aligning with state laws and Medicare regulations. This data, sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, presents a clear picture of the dynamics faced by PTAs in Lima.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.12 | $192.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.38 | $203.08 |
| Median (P50) | $29.84 | $238.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.54 | $244.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.15 | $249.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lima
Based on $29.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.84/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lima, OH can expect to earn approximately $62,074 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,812. With a cost-of-living index of 89.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lima.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lima
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,193.72 | $5,173 | $62,074 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $716.23 | $3,104 | $37,244 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.49 | $2,069 | $24,829 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Lima) | $29.84 |
| 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 Lima, OH earn a median of $62,069 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.64% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.10% below the Ohio state average of $65,405.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.84/hr = $37,244/year (purchasing power: $41,535).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,074/year (purchasing power: $69,225).
CoL index: 89.669 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lima (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lima grew 21.9% from $23.83/hr (2019) to $29.05/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.66/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 Lima 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 Lima
When examining the earning potential for physical therapist assistants in Lima, part-time practitioners working a 3-day schedule can anticipate taking home less compared to their full-time counterparts, as the reduced hours naturally lead to a lower annual income. However, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Lima can significantly increase earning opportunities for those willing to work in varied environments, with rates typically ranging from $32 to $48 per hour. Contracts for travel PTAs can yield weekly earnings between $1,200 to $1,800, offering another pathway for higher compensation. Hourly rates can fluctuate greatly based on the employer type—outpatient clinics often provide competitive pay, whereas skilled nursing facilities have seen adjustments due to the Medicare reimbursement cuts that began in 2022. This situation has led some PTAs to favor higher hourly wages over job security and benefits. For those negotiating hourly wages, it is advisable to weigh benefits against pay rates and to explore diverse employment venues to find the best fit for individual financial goals and career aspirations in Lima, OH.
More salary data for Lima, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lima in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Lima?
Are physical therapist assistants in Lima paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Lima?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lima?
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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 Lima. 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