Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Dallas, TX: $39.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Dallas, TX runs $39.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,564 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Dallas's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.1, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,539 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dallas, Texas, the projected median physical therapist assistant hourly pay in 2026 stands at an impressive $39.69, notably surpassing the national median of $33.77. This higher rate is indicative of the deep demand for skilled PTAs in diverse settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For those looking to work part-time or on a per-diem basis, this hourly pay translates well; for example, a PTA working three days a week could earn substantially while enjoying a flexible schedule. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants varies dramatically in Dallas, from $18.71 at the entry-level to $51.81 for those at the top of the pay scale, reflecting the range of experience and settings in which these professionals succeed.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.71 | $149.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.65 | $253.21 |
| Median (P50) | $39.69 | $317.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.15 | $361.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.81 | $414.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dallas
Based on $39.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.69/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dallas, TX can expect to earn approximately $82,565 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,634. With a cost-of-living index of 103.09 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dallas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dallas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,587.79 | $6,880 | $82,565 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $952.68 | $4,128 | $49,539 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $635.12 | $2,752 | $33,026 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Dallas) | $39.69 |
| 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 Dallas, TX earn a median of $82,564 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.53% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 6.00% above the Texas state average of $77,891.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.69/hr = $49,539/year (purchasing power: $48,054).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,565/year (purchasing power: $80,091).
CoL index: 103.09 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Dallas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Dallas grew 16.3% from $33.22/hr (2019) to $38.64/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.78/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 Dallas 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 Dallas
Exploring part-time work, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours per week can still see significant annual earnings, although it will naturally fall short of full-time income. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Dallas ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, while travel contracts can offer between $1,200 and $1,800 per week, appealing to those prioritizing flexibility. However, it's important to acknowledge that the recent 15% Medicare cut has affected pay rates in some settings, particularly skilled nursing facilities, pushing some agencies to offer lower rates. Hourly wages also fluctuate based on the type of employer—outpatient orthopedic clinics might pay differently than hospital inpatient rehab or pediatric clinics. Many PTAs face the dilemma of accepting lower hourly wages for positions with benefits versus higher hourly rates without insurance, highlighting the importance of understanding one’s priorities. When negotiating salaries in Dallas, emphasizing your experience and specialization can be advantageous, especially given the competitive job market for physical therapist assistants.
More salary data for Dallas, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Dallas in 2026?
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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 Dallas. 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, 5-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