Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $29.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Wilkes-Barre, PA runs $29.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,345 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Wilkes-Barre's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,411 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilkes-Barre, the projection for physical therapist assistant hourly pay in 2026 stands at $29.98, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77. This rate has significant implications for part-time and per-diem PTAs, especially in common environments like outpatient clinics, home healthcare, and skilled nursing facilities. For those working three days a week, this hourly wage can mean an annual income that varies depending on the number of hours worked weekly. Entry-level professionals may start around $21.05 per hour, while experienced PTAs can earn up to $37.84, reflecting a substantial difference in compensation based on skill and experience. These figures are derived from annual salary data and indicate the variability in pay within this rewarding field.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.05 | $168.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.09 | $208.75 |
| Median (P50) | $29.98 | $239.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.96 | $271.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.84 | $302.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilkes-Barre
Based on $29.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.98/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilkes-Barre, PA can expect to earn approximately $62,351 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,972. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilkes-Barre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilkes-Barre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,199.06 | $5,196 | $62,351 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.44 | $3,118 | $37,411 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.63 | $2,078 | $24,941 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Wilkes-Barre) | $29.98 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $62,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.25% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $63,359.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.98/hr = $37,411/year (purchasing power: $38,409).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,351/year (purchasing power: $64,016).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Wilkes-Barre grew 16.3% from $25.09/hr (2019) to $29.18/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.79/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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
Looking more closely at earnings in Wilkes-Barre, a physical therapist assistant working part-time for three days a week (24 hours) could reasonably expect to take home around $46,000 annually, which is a reliable way to maintain work-life balance while securing a steady income. Conversely, per diem PTAs often see billing fees ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, depending on their experience and the specific demands of the job. Additionally, travel PTAs might secure contracts earning between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. It’s essential to consider employer types, as those in outpatient orthopedic clinics might receive more competitive pay than their counterparts in home health agencies or pediatric therapy settings. Some PTAs choose positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while others may pursue higher rates at jobs without benefits. Negotiating hourly pay effectively can be crucial; understanding local market rates and the impact of the 15% Medicare cut can provide leverage when discussing compensation.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Wilkes-Barre in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Wilkes-Barre?
Are physical therapist assistants in Wilkes-Barre paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Wilkes-Barre?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wilkes-Barre?
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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 Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre 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