Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Arlington, TX: $38.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Arlington, TX runs $38.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,897 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,539 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington, Texas, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected at $38.89 in 2026, placing it significantly above the national median of $33.77 per hour. For part-time workers, such as those committing to three days a week, this rate translates to a substantial paycheck while allowing for flexibility. This hourly rate generally spans from $25.20 for entry-level positions to $52.90 for top earners in the field. Typically, physical therapist assistants find employment in several settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. These diverse environments not only enhance earning potential but also provide varied work experiences. Hourly rates mentioned are estimated based on projected annual salary data, demonstrating the financial viability of this career path in Arlington, TX.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.20 | $201.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.41 | $259.29 |
| Median (P50) | $38.89 | $311.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.70 | $365.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.90 | $423.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $38.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.89/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, TX can expect to earn approximately $80,899 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,672. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,555.74 | $6,742 | $80,899 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $933.45 | $4,045 | $48,539 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $622.30 | $2,697 | $32,359 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Arlington) | $38.89 |
| 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 Arlington, TX earn a median of $80,897 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.16% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.90% above the Texas state average of $77,860.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.89/hr = $48,539/year (purchasing power: $50,562).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,899/year (purchasing power: $84,269).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Arlington grew 16.3% from $32.55/hr (2019) to $37.86/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.96/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 Arlington 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 Arlington
Considering the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants, a professional working 24 hours weekly could expect to take home around $48,000 annually, a respectable figure yet lower than full-time income, which may exceed $80,000 based on full hours. The per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Arlington varies widely, with rates typically ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, intriguing options for those seeking flexibility. While travel PTA contracts can command $1,200 to $1,800 weekly, the impact of Medicare cuts since 2022 has notably reduced compensation, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. Different employers in Arlington—such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospitals, and pediatric programs—offer varying pay rates. Some physical therapist assistants choose lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance. For those navigating the job market, negotiating hourly pay effectively can be crucial; understanding the local pay trends and being prepared to articulate the value of one's skills can lead to better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Arlington in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Arlington?
Are physical therapist assistants in Arlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Arlington?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Arlington?
Related Pages
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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 Arlington. 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 Arlington 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