Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Smyrna, TN: $31.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Smyrna, TN runs $31.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,888 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,936 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Tennessee, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $31.20 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $33.77. This rate is particularly relevant for those working part-time, such as three-day weeks, where total hours amount to around 24 per week. For per-diem workers, the flexibility of working in varied settings—from outpatient clinic gyms to skilled nursing facilities—allows for an adaptable schedule, yet earnings fluctuate significantly. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in Smyrna spans from $21.70 for entry-level positions up to $39.78 for the top earners, indicating diverse opportunities based on experience and setting. These hourly wage estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, revealing the financial landscape for PTAs in 2026.
About the Smyrna 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) | $21.70 | $173.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.00 | $215.98 |
| Median (P50) | $31.20 | $249.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.18 | $289.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.78 | $318.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $31.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.20/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, TN can expect to earn approximately $64,894 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,439. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,247.96 | $5,408 | $64,894 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $748.78 | $3,245 | $38,936 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $499.19 | $2,163 | $25,958 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Smyrna) | $31.20 |
| 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 Smyrna, TN earn a median of $64,888 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.63% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $64,182.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.20/hr = $38,936/year (purchasing power: $42,414).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,894/year (purchasing power: $70,691).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Smyrna grew 16.3% from $26.11/hr (2019) to $30.37/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.05/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Considering part-time arrangements, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week could anticipate an annual income of around $48,576, substantially lower than full-time earnings. With the trend of agency and per diem roles offering between $32 to $48 per hour, flexibility comes at a price since premiums in skilled nursing facilities may have diminished following the 15% Medicare cut that took effect in 2022. Hourly rates commonly differ across employer types in Smyrna, with outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offering competitive pay compared to home health or school therapy engagements. PTAs should strategically negotiate compensation, weighing benefits against hourly rates; some may prioritize stable health insurance over higher pay rates that lack these benefits. Understanding local hiring trends and gauging the demand from healthcare facilities can lead to more successful negotiations and better compensation packages in this evolving field.
More salary data for Smyrna, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Smyrna in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Smyrna?
Are physical therapist assistants in Smyrna paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Smyrna?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Smyrna?
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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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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