Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $30.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Memphis, TN runs $30.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,241 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,949 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, the current median hourly pay for physical therapist assistants stands at $30.41, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77. This pay structure impacts various working arrangements, particularly for part-time and per-diem employees. Part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week can expect to earn a reliable income while enjoying flexible scheduling, given the median pay. The hourly wage range for this profession in Memphis stretches from $23.35 at the lower end to $39.64 for the highest earners. This data, sourced from the projected estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflects the typical settings where PTAs operate, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.35 | $186.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.75 | $221.98 |
| Median (P50) | $30.41 | $243.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.60 | $300.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.64 | $317.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $30.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.41/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $63,249 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,490. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,216.32 | $5,271 | $63,249 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.79 | $3,162 | $37,949 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.53 | $2,108 | $25,300 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Memphis) | $30.41 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $63,241 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.97% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.50% below the Tennessee state average of $64,204.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.41/hr = $37,949/year (purchasing power: $41,169).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,249/year (purchasing power: $68,615).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Memphis grew 13.8% from $26.01/hr (2019) to $29.60/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.24/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
When considering part-time employment, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours per week would earn significantly less annually compared to a full-time position, highlighting the trade-offs in stability versus flexibility. On the other hand, per diem physical therapist assistants in Memphis can earn variable rates, often between $32 and $48 per hour, especially in travel contracts, which typically offer weekly earnings from $1,200 to $1,800. However, changes such as the 2022 Medicare cut affecting PTA services can lead to decreased pay, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. Hourly rates will also differ depending on the employer type—outpatient orthopedic clinics and pediatric therapy often offer competitive pay compared to other settings. It’s common for some assistants to accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating the terms of hourly pay is crucial in Memphis, where understanding the market and leveraging local conditions can lead to better compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Memphis in 2026?
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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 Memphis. 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