Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Brentwood, TN: $29.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Brentwood, TN runs $29.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,924 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Brentwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,154 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brentwood, Tennessee, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $29.77 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $33.77 per hour. For professionals in this field, this hourly rate signifies varied opportunities for part-time and per-diem work across common settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. The hourly range also highlights the earnings potential, starting from approximately $22.50 for entry-level positions to around $38.26 for top earners in this profession. For those seeking flexibility, working three days a week might provide a sustainable living while allowing for scheduled per-diem opportunities, further diversifying income sources. These hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, painting a comprehensive picture of the financial landscape for physical therapist assistants in Brentwood.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.50 | $179.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.34 | $210.72 |
| Median (P50) | $29.77 | $238.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.14 | $273.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.26 | $306.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brentwood
Based on $29.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.77/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brentwood, TN can expect to earn approximately $61,924 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,725. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brentwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brentwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,190.85 | $5,160 | $61,924 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.51 | $3,096 | $37,154 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.34 | $2,064 | $24,770 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Brentwood) | $29.77 |
| 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 Brentwood, TN earn a median of $61,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.85% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.50% below the Tennessee state average of $64,170.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.77/hr = $37,154/year (purchasing power: $40,473).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,924/year (purchasing power: $67,455).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Brentwood grew 16.3% from $24.92/hr (2019) to $28.98/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.58/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 Brentwood 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 Brentwood
Considering a part-time schedule, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week could net approximately $37,274 annually based on the median hourly pay, which is significant compared to full-time counterparts. The allure of per diem opportunities presents additional earning potential, as many per-diem physical therapist assistants in Brentwood typically charge between $32 and $48 per hour. However, those seeking stability might face a trade-off; many higher-paying roles provide less consistent hours and fewer benefits. Additionally, variations in hourly rates across different employer types, such as outpatient clinics versus skilled nursing facilities, reflect different operational costs and patient demographics. Given the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut effective in 2022, many physical therapist assistants in settings reliant on Medicare may find their pay compressed, influencing their career choices. Understanding these dynamics can help PTAs in Brentwood negotiate effectively for higher wages or more desirable positions, balancing higher pay against the benefits that come with full-time employment.
More salary data for Brentwood, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Brentwood in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Brentwood?
Are physical therapist assistants in Brentwood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Brentwood?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Brentwood?
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 Brentwood. 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 Brentwood 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