Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Altus, OK: $28.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Altus, OK runs $28.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,207 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Altus's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,526 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Altus, Oklahoma, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $28.47 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $33.77. This hourly rate presents various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers within the healthcare sector, especially in environments such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. Those working part-time, for instance three days a week, can still maintain a balanced income, while per-diem physical therapist assistants can expect variable rates depending on demand and specific engagement, with established billing practices often yielding anywhere from $20.43 to $36.13 hourly. For those starting out as new entrants in the field, pay can be on the lower end of that spectrum, while experienced PTAs can earn closer to the upper limits, reflecting their expertise and the demands of various therapeutic environments.
About the Altus Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.43 | $163.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.96 | $199.71 |
| Median (P50) | $28.47 | $227.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.96 | $247.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.13 | $289.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Altus
Based on $28.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.47/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Altus, OK can expect to earn approximately $59,210 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,160. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Altus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Altus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,138.66 | $4,934 | $59,210 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $683.20 | $2,961 | $35,526 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.46 | $1,974 | $23,684 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Altus) | $28.47 |
| 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 Altus, OK earn a median of $59,207 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.72% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.20% below the Oklahoma state average of $62,455.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.47/hr = $35,526/year (purchasing power: $39,962).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,210/year (purchasing power: $66,603).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Altus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Altus grew 16.3% from $23.82/hr (2019) to $27.71/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.24/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 Altus 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 Altus
Considering the nuanced earning potential for PTAs in Altus, a physical therapist assistant working a 24-hour week (3 days) might find their take-home pay significantly different from a full-time counterpart. Those in per-diem roles can frequently bill between $32 and $48 per hour, depending on the situation and specifics of their roles. However, the market for agency positions or travel contracts may offer lucrative options, bringing in $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. It's worth noting that with the recent Medicare cuts impacting physical therapist assistant services, many facilities, particularly skilled nursing facilities, may not be able to offer competitive wages as they once did. When analyzing employment in different settings like outpatient orthopedic clinics versus hospitals or rehab units, compensation can vary widely. It's crucial for PTAs to weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates that come with health insurance against higher-per-hour roles that do not offer similar benefits. Understanding what one is willing to negotiate is key in a town where the physical therapist assistant hourly rate in OK has its specific landscape shaped by both state economic factors and the realities of healthcare reimbursement structures.
More salary data for Altus, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Altus in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Altus?
Are physical therapist assistants in Altus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Altus?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Altus?
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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 Altus. 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 Altus 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