Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Lorain, OH: $31.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Lorain, OH runs $31.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,078 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Lorain's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,642 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lorain, Ohio, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $31.76, which is slightly below the national average hourly rate of $33.77. This competitive rate offers promising earning potential for part-time workers and per-diem professionals. For individuals working three days a week, the flexibility of a typical schedule can be appealing, especially in settings like outpatient clinics, home health visits, and pediatric therapy spaces. As for the range of pay based on experience in Lorain, entry-level positions start at approximately $21.14 per hour, while more experienced physical therapist assistants can earn up to $40.51. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a straightforward glimpse into what a career in this field might look like.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.14 | $169.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.70 | $229.62 |
| Median (P50) | $31.76 | $254.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.12 | $288.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.51 | $324.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lorain
Based on $31.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.76/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lorain, OH can expect to earn approximately $66,069 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,117. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lorain.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lorain
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,270.56 | $5,506 | $66,069 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $762.34 | $3,303 | $39,642 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $508.23 | $2,202 | $26,428 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Lorain) | $31.76 |
| 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 Lorain, OH earn a median of $66,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.93% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $65,359.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.76/hr = $39,642/year (purchasing power: $43,706).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,069/year (purchasing power: $72,844).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lorain grew 16.3% from $26.58/hr (2019) to $30.92/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.63/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 Lorain 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 Lorain
Considering part-time employment, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week could take home around $39,578 annually. This is significantly less than the full-time average but offers a desirable work-life balance. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Lorain varies widely, often ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, depending on the type of contract. However, due to the Medicare cut implemented in 2022, agencies offering jobs in skilled nursing facilities may see rates trending downward. The variation in hourly rates also reflects the setting: outpatient clinics may provide competitive pay, while hospital inpatient rehab and home health agencies might offer a premium for employees with specialized skills. When evaluating offers, some professionals might prefer a higher hourly rate without benefits over a lower rate with health insurance, a common trade-off in the industry. Negotiation can be essential; knowing the local market and being prepared with data on typical pay ranges in Lorain can help impact discussions positively.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lorain in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Lorain?
Are physical therapist assistants in Lorain paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Lorain?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lorain?
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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 Lorain. 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 Lorain 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