Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Wooster, OH: $30.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Wooster, OH runs $30.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,261 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Wooster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,962 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wooster, Ohio, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $30.42, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $33.77. This difference indicates that physical therapist assistants in Wooster may earn less than their peers in other regions. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly rate can provide a stable income while allowing for flexibility in their schedules. Per-diem workers, who are often employed in outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities, may receive varying rates that reflect their experience level and workplace setting. The hourly pay range for this profession in Wooster spans from $23.02 for entry-level positions to $39.26 for those at the top end, allowing for significant earning potential based on experience and job type.
About the Wooster 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) | $23.02 | $184.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.71 | $221.65 |
| Median (P50) | $30.42 | $243.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.85 | $270.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.26 | $314.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wooster
Based on $30.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.42/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wooster, OH can expect to earn approximately $63,270 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,502. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wooster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wooster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,216.73 | $5,273 | $63,270 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $730.04 | $3,164 | $37,962 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.69 | $2,109 | $25,308 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Wooster) | $30.42 |
| 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 Wooster, OH earn a median of $63,261 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.94% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.20% below the Ohio state average of $65,352.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.42/hr = $37,962/year (purchasing power: $41,855).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,270/year (purchasing power: $69,758).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wooster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Wooster grew 16.3% from $25.46/hr (2019) to $29.61/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.25/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 Wooster 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 Wooster
The earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants in Wooster, working approximately 24 hours a week, would yield an annual take-home that reflects their hourly contributions. On the other hand, per diem physical therapist assistants in Wooster typically invoice at rates between $32 and $48 per hour. Contracts for travel physical therapist assistants tend to run between $1,200 and $1,800 per week, creating an attractive option for those willing to take on temporary assignments. Furthermore, hourly rates differ depending on the employer, with outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and specialized pediatric clinics offering varied pay scales. Some assistants may opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for the perk of health benefits. It’s vital to consider how you negotiate in this market, as this can impact your overall compensation significantly. Understanding local employer expectations and the financial implications of benefits versus hourly rates can be key in achieving the best possible outcome in Wooster’s job market for physical therapist assistants.
More salary data for Wooster, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Wooster in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Wooster?
Are physical therapist assistants in Wooster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Wooster?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wooster?
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 Wooster. 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 Wooster 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