Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Jackson, TN: $30.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Jackson, TN runs $30.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,645 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Jackson's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.5, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,590 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jackson, Tennessee, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $30.12 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate influences part-time opportunities, where a physical therapist assistant working three days a week could earn around $624 weekly, providing flexibility for those who need to balance work with other commitments. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in Jackson spans from approximately $24.90 for entry-level professionals to $39.27 for the most experienced practitioners. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, reflect the varied settings where PTAs typically find employment, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospital environments, all of which offer different earning potentials.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.90 | $199.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.12 | $240.96 |
| Median (P50) | $30.12 | $240.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.96 | $287.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.27 | $314.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jackson
Based on $30.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.12/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jackson, TN can expect to earn approximately $62,651 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,145. With a cost-of-living index of 85.52 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jackson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jackson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,204.82 | $5,221 | $62,651 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $722.89 | $3,133 | $37,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.93 | $2,088 | $25,060 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Jackson) | $30.12 |
| 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 Jackson, TN earn a median of $62,645 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.82% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.40% below the Tennessee state average of $64,185.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.12/hr = $37,590/year (purchasing power: $43,954).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,651/year (purchasing power: $73,257).
CoL index: 85.522 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+5.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Jackson grew -0.2% from $29.39/hr (2019) to $29.32/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.94/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 Jackson 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 Jackson
When considering the earning potential of a part-time physical therapist assistant in Jackson, working 24 hours a week would yield an approximate annual income of $32,448, significantly less than that of full-time counterparts. Many per diem physical therapist assistants in the area may find themselves billing between $32 and $48 per hour, but this compensation often comes without the benefits typical of full-time positions. Agency roles and travel contracts for physical therapist assistants have seen variability in pay, particularly since the 15% Medicare cut on PTA-reimbursed services came into effect in 2022, affecting earnings in skilled nursing facilities. Rates can differ by employer type in Jackson; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer more competitive hourly rates compared to hospital settings. PTAs who opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits should carefully weigh their options. Practical negotiation skills can enhance pay opportunities for hourly workers, particularly when navigating the specific demands and financial realities of various settings in Jackson.
More salary data for Jackson, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Jackson in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Jackson?
Are physical therapist assistants in Jackson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Jackson?
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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 Jackson. 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