Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Reading, PA: $34.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Reading, PA runs $34.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,428 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Reading's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,860 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Reading, Pennsylvania, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $34.34, which is slightly above the national median of $33.77 per hour. This competitive rate provides opportunities for part-time workers and per-diem staff, making it a viable option for those who might only want to work in outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, home health environments, or pediatric therapy spaces. The hourly range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $25.70 and more experienced professionals earning up to $38.69. As organizations seek to attract skilled talent, the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data showcases the potential of this field in Reading, indicating that hourly compensation is not only appealing but also reflects the growing demand for rehabilitation services.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.70 | $205.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.50 | $236.03 |
| Median (P50) | $34.34 | $274.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.04 | $304.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.69 | $309.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reading
Based on $34.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.34/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reading, PA can expect to earn approximately $71,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,211. With a cost-of-living index of 97.06 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Reading.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reading
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,373.71 | $5,953 | $71,433 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $824.22 | $3,572 | $42,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $549.48 | $2,381 | $28,573 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Reading) | $34.34 |
| 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 Reading, PA earn a median of $71,428 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.68% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 12.70% above the Pennsylvania state average of $63,379.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.34/hr = $42,860/year (purchasing power: $44,158).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,433/year (purchasing power: $73,596).
CoL index: 97.06 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Reading (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Reading grew 20.3% from $27.80/hr (2019) to $33.43/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.28/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 Reading 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 Reading
Considering the part-time earnings potential for a physical therapist assistant in Reading, working three days a week at full hours could yield around $52,000 annually, a considerable sum compared to more traditional part-time roles. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Reading typically falls between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts offering high weekly earnings ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. Yet, the landscape is not without its challenges; many physical therapist assistants face compressed pay due to the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA-provided services implemented in 2022, which notably impacts compensation in settings reliant on Medicare. This affects hourly rates across various employer types, from outpatient orthopedic clinics to skilled nursing facilities. Consequently, some practitioners prioritize job security and health insurance over a higher hourly wage as they weigh the trade-offs between hourly compensation and benefits. Navigating rates can be complex, but those entering the field in Reading should engage in open discussions with employers about both pay and benefits to find the best balance for their professional needs.
More salary data for Reading, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Reading in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Reading?
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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 Reading. 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