Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Mount Juliet, TN: $29.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Mount Juliet, TN runs $29.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,441 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Mount Juliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,860 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mount Juliet, Tennessee, the projected median hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant (PTA) in 2026 is set at $29.53, notably lower than the national median of $33.77 per hour. This discrepancy reflects the unique cost-of-living factors in the area, which is at 91.8 on the index, indicating it's slightly below the national average. For PTAs working part-time, such as on a three-day-a-week schedule, this pay translates to roughly $1,183 per week, allowing for flexibility in work-life balance while maintaining competitive earnings. Entry-level PTAs can expect to earn around $21.91, whereas those in higher-paying positions or with greater experience may earn up to $37.43 hourly. The diverse work settings—ranging from outpatient clinics to skilled nursing facilities—contribute to variations in hourly compensation levels based on experience and employer type.
About the Mount Juliet 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) | $21.91 | $175.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.52 | $212.20 |
| Median (P50) | $29.53 | $236.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.26 | $274.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.43 | $299.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Juliet
Based on $29.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.53/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Juliet, TN can expect to earn approximately $61,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,442. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Juliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Juliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,181.40 | $5,119 | $61,433 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $708.84 | $3,072 | $36,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.56 | $2,048 | $24,573 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Mount Juliet) | $29.53 |
| 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 Mount Juliet, TN earn a median of $61,441 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.54% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.30% below the Tennessee state average of $64,201.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.53/hr = $36,860/year (purchasing power: $40,152).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,433/year (purchasing power: $66,920).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Mount Juliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Mount Juliet grew 16.3% from $24.72/hr (2019) to $28.75/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.34/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 Mount Juliet 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 Mount Juliet
Part-time physical therapist assistants in Mount Juliet, working an average of 24 hours per week, can anticipate an annual income of approximately $61,441, while full-time PTAs could make a considerably higher income with a steady schedule. As the demand for per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Mount Juliet fluctuates, many professionals find themselves billing between $32 and $48 per hour for contract or locum positions. This can be particularly advantageous for staff looking for greater flexibility or higher compensation; however, those accepting agency positions may experience a pay drop due to the recent 15% Medicare cut impacting PTA services in skilled nursing settings. Given that different employment types offer differing hourly rates—such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospital inpatient rehab, or home health agencies—PTAs must weigh the benefits of stable hours and insurance against potentially higher hourly rates without additional benefits. Engaging in thorough salary negotiations can make a significant difference for those in this field, especially in areas like Mount Juliet where local market conditions can influence pay rates.
More salary data for Mount Juliet, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Mount Juliet in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Mount Juliet?
Are physical therapist assistants in Mount Juliet paid hourly or salary?
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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 Mount Juliet. 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 Mount Juliet 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