Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Hilton Head Island, SC: $28.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Hilton Head Island, SC runs $28.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,779 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Hilton Head Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.0, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,872 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $28.74, which is lower than the national median of $33.77. This hourly pay translates to varied opportunities depending on the work schedule; part-time positions, often set at three days a week, allow flexibility while still providing a respectable income. For those working on a per-diem basis, the rate can significantly impact earnings, reflecting additional responsibilities and responsibility levels expected in various environments such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. The projected hourly range extends from $18.68 at the entry-level to $39.83 for experienced professionals, allowing for career growth based on skills and experience, as indicated by official BLS data.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.68 | $149.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.46 | $187.71 |
| Median (P50) | $28.74 | $229.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.64 | $309.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.83 | $318.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilton Head Island
Based on $28.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.74/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilton Head Island, SC can expect to earn approximately $59,787 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,493. With a cost-of-living index of 98.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hilton Head Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilton Head Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,149.75 | $4,982 | $59,787 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $689.85 | $2,989 | $35,872 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $459.90 | $1,993 | $23,915 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Hilton Head Island) | $28.74 |
| 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 Hilton Head Island, SC earn a median of $59,779 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.90% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 9.50% below the South Carolina state average of $66,054.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.74/hr = $35,872/year (purchasing power: $36,598).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,787/year (purchasing power: $60,997).
CoL index: 98.017 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hilton Head Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Hilton Head Island grew 13.3% from $24.69/hr (2019) to $27.98/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.53/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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island
Analyzing the financial aspect further reveals the potential earnings of part-time physical therapist assistants. With a 24-hour workweek, typically catering to a three-day schedule, one could expect an annual income of approximately $44,083, while full-time workers may earn significantly more. In the realm of per-diem work, pay rates vary, with per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Hilton Head Island generally ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts offering weekly pay between $1,200 and $1,800. However, compensation can fluctuate based on the employer type, as outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer higher pay compared to skilled nursing facilities, which have been affected by the Medicare cuts implemented in 2022. Physical therapist assistants might sacrifice higher hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance when working in full-time positions. As Hilton Head Island is a competitive marketplace, negotiating terms and rates effectively can greatly influence overall job satisfaction and financial health.
More salary data for Hilton Head Island, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Hilton Head Island in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Hilton Head Island?
Are physical therapist assistants in Hilton Head Island paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Hilton Head Island?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hilton Head Island?
Related Pages
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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 Hilton Head Island. 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