Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Corpus Christi, TX: $36.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Corpus Christi, TX runs $36.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,938 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Corpus Christi's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,565 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Corpus Christi, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $36.51 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate offers substantial earning potential for both part-time professionals working three days a week and per-diem physical therapist assistants who serve in various settings, including outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. With a range extending from $25.12 for entry-level positions to $48.39 for the top earners, the hourly pay highlights the diverse opportunities available in the field. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data points to a competitive compensation structure in Corpus Christi, acknowledging the skills and qualifications required to succeed in this vital healthcare role.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.12 | $200.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.46 | $235.70 |
| Median (P50) | $36.51 | $292.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.00 | $311.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.39 | $387.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Corpus Christi
Based on $36.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.51/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Corpus Christi, TX can expect to earn approximately $75,941 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,812. With a cost-of-living index of 92.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Corpus Christi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Corpus Christi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,460.41 | $6,328 | $75,941 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $876.25 | $3,797 | $45,565 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $584.16 | $2,531 | $30,377 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Corpus Christi) | $36.51 |
| 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 Corpus Christi, TX earn a median of $75,938 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.10% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.50% below the Texas state average of $77,885.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.51/hr = $45,565/year (purchasing power: $49,168).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,941/year (purchasing power: $81,947).
CoL index: 92.671 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Corpus Christi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Corpus Christi grew 13.1% from $31.42/hr (2019) to $35.54/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.51/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 Corpus Christi 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 Corpus Christi
Considering part-time work arrangements, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $46,339 annually, while full-time PTAs could approach $76,000 per year, emphasizing the rewards of full-time commitment. Per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in Corpus Christi varies, typically billing between $32 to $48 per hour, with potential earnings for travel contracts ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. However, the recent 15% Medicare cut has impacted payment rates, especially in skilled nursing facilities, prompting some agencies to decrease their rates. Hourly rates also fluctuate by employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer higher wages compared to pediatric clinics or SNF roles. While accepting lower hourly pay may provide health insurance benefits, PTAs face a choice between financial compensation and job security. Effective negotiation strategies are essential, particularly in Corpus Christi's competitive job market, to secure better hourly rates while considering the overall compensation package.
More salary data for Corpus Christi, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Corpus Christi in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Corpus Christi?
Are physical therapist assistants in Corpus Christi paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Corpus Christi?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Corpus Christi?
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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 Corpus Christi. 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