Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Mayaguez, PR: $15.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Mayaguez, PR runs $15.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $31,795 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Puerto Rico's regional price level (BEA RPP 75.0, 25% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $19,077 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, physical therapist assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $15.29 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $33.77. This discrepancy illustrates the challenges faced by PTAs in the region, especially for those working part-time, such as three days a week, or in per-diem roles. Typical settings for physical therapist assistants include outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy spaces, where they can work varying hours based on patient needs. For entry-level positions, hourly pay starts around $10.79, while more experienced professionals can earn upwards of $32.08, allowing for a range of financial outcomes depending on experience, setting, and working conditions. These figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $10.79 | $86.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $12.19 | $97.55 |
| Median (P50) | $15.29 | $122.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $16.92 | $135.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.08 | $256.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mayaguez
Based on $15.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $15.29/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mayaguez, PR can expect to earn approximately $31,795 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $18,343.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mayaguez
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $611.45 | $2,650 | $31,795 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $366.87 | $1,590 | $19,077 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $244.58 | $1,060 | $12,718 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Mayaguez) | $15.29 |
| 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 Mayaguez, PR earn a median of $31,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 54.74% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 39.70% below the Puerto Rico state average of $52,728.
2019 BLS Actual
$10.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$14.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$15.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Mayaguez (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $10.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $10.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $11.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $10.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $11.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $14.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $15.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $15.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Mayaguez grew 38.3% from $10.76/hr (2019) to $14.88/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $15.70/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 Mayaguez 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 Mayaguez
Focusing on part-time earnings, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week at 24 hours may take home about $18,000 annually, a significant contrast to full-time colleagues. Per-diem opportunities can present more lucrative options, as these professionals may charge between $32 and $48 per hour, particularly in settings with high demand or workforce shortages. However, while travel contracts offer competitive weekly rates of $1,200 to $1,800, the reimbursement cuts affecting Medicare Part B have impacted pay rates in skilled nursing facilities, resulting in a tighter financial environment for many. Hourly rates vary based on employer types; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer different compensation compared to pediatric clinics or hospital rehab units. For physical therapist assistants weighing benefits against pay, accepting a lower hourly rate for positions with health insurance may be a compelling choice. Those seeking to optimize their pay should consider negotiating salary by highlighting previous experience and specialized skills relevant to the role.
More salary data for Mayaguez, PR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Mayaguez in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Mayaguez?
Are physical therapist assistants in Mayaguez paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Mayaguez?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Mayaguez?
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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 Mayaguez. 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