Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Cleveland, TN: $31.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Cleveland, TN runs $31.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,045 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.1, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,629 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
As of 2026, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Cleveland, TN is projected to be $31.75. This hourly rate is somewhat below the national median of $33.77, reflecting regional economic conditions and cost of living factors. For part-time workers, such as those putting in three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $1,530 per month before taxes, making it a viable option for many looking to balance work with other commitments. Moreover, entry-level positions in Cleveland can expect an hourly wage starting at $23.31, while more experienced physical therapist assistants can earn up to $39.73, representing a range suitable for various employment settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and even home health settings. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.31 | $186.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.57 | $204.56 |
| Median (P50) | $31.75 | $254.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.07 | $304.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.73 | $317.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $31.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.75/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, TN can expect to earn approximately $66,048 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,105. With a cost-of-living index of 88.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,270.15 | $5,504 | $66,048 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $762.09 | $3,302 | $39,629 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $508.06 | $2,202 | $26,419 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Cleveland) | $31.75 |
| 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 Cleveland, TN earn a median of $66,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.98% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.90% above the Tennessee state average of $64,184.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.75/hr = $39,629/year (purchasing power: $44,992).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,048/year (purchasing power: $74,986).
CoL index: 88.08 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Cleveland grew 22.0% from $25.34/hr (2019) to $30.91/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.62/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Looking beyond standard employment, many physical therapist assistants in Cleveland explore part-time or per-diem opportunities that significantly impact their annual earnings. A PTA working 24 hours per week might see a gross income of roughly $36,180, versus a full-time PTA earning $66,045, illustrating the financial trade-offs involved. For those working per diem, rates can vary widely, with many billing between $32 and $48 per hour. Contract positions in travel therapy also offer lucrative options, frequently ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly, but it’s essential to consider that skilled nursing facility agencies may provide reduced pay due to recent Medicare cuts. Hourly rates depend significantly on the type of employer, with outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offering more competitive pay than home health agencies or schools. Additionally, many PTAs may choose lower hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, making negotiations critical for optimizing earnings in Cleveland's job market. Understanding the dynamics of pay in this field can guide physical therapist assistants in making informed career choices.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Cleveland in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Cleveland?
Are physical therapist assistants in Cleveland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Cleveland?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Cleveland?
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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 Cleveland. 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, 5-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