Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Friendswood, TX: $36.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Friendswood, TX runs $36.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,270 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Friendswood's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,167 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Friendswood, Texas, the projected median hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant is $36.19, notably outpacing the national median of $33.77. This competitive hourly rate reflects the demand for PTAs in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy environments. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the earnings offer a viable income stream while allowing flexibility, equating to approximately $27,820 for the year based on a 24-hour schedule. PTAs at the lower end of the hourly spectrum might earn around $27.32, while experienced professionals can potentially reach up to $46.64 per hour, signifying a robust earning range within the local market. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary data and illustrate a diverse landscape that appeals to both full-time and per-diem workers.
About the Friendswood 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) | $27.32 | $218.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.91 | $263.32 |
| Median (P50) | $36.19 | $289.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.59 | $332.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.64 | $373.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Friendswood
Based on $36.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.19/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Friendswood, TX can expect to earn approximately $75,279 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,430. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Friendswood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Friendswood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,447.67 | $6,273 | $75,279 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $868.60 | $3,764 | $45,167 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $579.07 | $2,509 | $30,112 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Friendswood) | $36.19 |
| 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 Friendswood, TX earn a median of $75,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.15% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $77,839.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.19/hr = $45,167/year (purchasing power: $47,049).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,279/year (purchasing power: $78,416).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Friendswood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Friendswood grew 16.3% from $30.29/hr (2019) to $35.23/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.18/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 Friendswood 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 Friendswood
Shifting focus to the earning dynamics in Friendswood, a physical therapist assistant working part-time can take home an attractive income despite limited hours. When considering the average 3-day workweek, a PTA may net about $27,820 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts but still substantial for flexible employment. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Friendswood often fluctuates between $32 and $48 per hour, aligning with agencies offering travel contracts that can bring in between $1,200 and $1,800 per week. However, it's crucial to note the impact of the 15% Medicare cut on positions in skilled nursing facilities, where compensation might have adjusted downward. Depending on the employer type—ranging from outpatient orthopedic clinics to home health agencies—the hourly wages can vary widely. Some physical therapist assistants may choose positions with lower hourly rates but benefit from health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay per hour without benefits, which presents a trade-off to consider. For those negotiating their pay, researching local rates and understanding the specific needs of each employer can be an effective strategy to ensure competitive compensation in Friendswood.
More salary data for Friendswood, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Friendswood in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Friendswood?
Are physical therapist assistants in Friendswood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Friendswood?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Friendswood?
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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 Friendswood. 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 Friendswood 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