Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Murfreesboro, TN: $31.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Murfreesboro, TN runs $31.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,247 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Murfreesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,744 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the projected physical therapist assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $31.85. This rate is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $33.77, which may influence job seekers considering opportunities in various settings like outpatient clinics, home health agencies, and skilled nursing facilities. With an hourly wage range from $22.28 for entry-level positions up to $42.24 for experienced professionals, physical therapist assistants also have the flexibility to work part-time or per diem. For those opting for part-time roles, especially working three days a week, the pay can provide a stable income while balancing personal commitments and professional aspirations in a growing field.
About the Murfreesboro 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) | $22.28 | $178.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.72 | $221.73 |
| Median (P50) | $31.85 | $254.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.69 | $301.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.24 | $337.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murfreesboro
Based on $31.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.85/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murfreesboro, TN can expect to earn approximately $66,240 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,216. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murfreesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murfreesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,273.85 | $5,520 | $66,240 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.31 | $3,312 | $39,744 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.54 | $2,208 | $26,496 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Murfreesboro) | $31.85 |
| 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 Murfreesboro, TN earn a median of $66,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.69% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.20% above the Tennessee state average of $64,193.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.85/hr = $39,744/year (purchasing power: $43,294).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,240/year (purchasing power: $72,157).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Murfreesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Murfreesboro grew 16.3% from $26.65/hr (2019) to $31.00/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.72/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 Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro
Earnings for part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours a week can yield a considerable annual income, but many in Murfreesboro might find advantages in full-time status. For per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Murfreesboro, rates typically range from $32 to $48 per hour, creating competitive compensation for those willing to take on flexible roles, including agency and travel positions that can command weekly contracts between $1,200 and $1,800. It's essential to recognize that various employers offer differing pay scales; outpatient orthopedic clinics may have distinct compensation strategies compared to skilled nursing facility rehab or pediatric clinics. While some positions may lose a bit of hourly pay, they often come with health benefits that can appeal to many PTAs, especially following the reduction in reimbursement rates due to Medicare cuts. Effective negotiation around pay and benefits can significantly influence one’s overall job satisfaction and stability in this rewarding career path.
More salary data for Murfreesboro, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Murfreesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Murfreesboro?
Are physical therapist assistants in Murfreesboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Murfreesboro?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Murfreesboro?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Murfreesboro. 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 Murfreesboro 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