Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Galveston, TX: $37.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Galveston, TX runs $37.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,112 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Galveston's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,872 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Galveston, Texas, the anticipated physical therapist assistant hourly pay in 2026 is $37.56, which surpassed the national median of $33.77. This impressive hourly rate opens numerous opportunities for part-time professionals, particularly those working three days a week, as well as for per-diem workers typically employed in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health settings, and pediatric therapies. The hourly pay structure ranges from $25.62 for entry-level positions to $48.67 for those at the top of their earnings potential. These hourly figures are reflections derived from annual salary estimates and can provide a robust framework for those considering roles in the physical therapy environment across Galveston.
About the Galveston 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) | $25.62 | $204.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.14 | $257.15 |
| Median (P50) | $37.56 | $300.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.18 | $345.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.67 | $389.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galveston
Based on $37.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.56/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galveston, TX can expect to earn approximately $78,121 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,070. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galveston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galveston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,502.32 | $6,510 | $78,121 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $901.39 | $3,906 | $46,872 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $600.93 | $2,604 | $31,248 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Galveston) | $37.56 |
| 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 Galveston, TX earn a median of $78,112 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.20% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% above the Texas state average of $77,878.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.56/hr = $46,872/year (purchasing power: $48,826).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,121/year (purchasing power: $81,376).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Galveston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Galveston grew 16.3% from $31.43/hr (2019) to $36.56/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.58/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 Galveston 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 Galveston
Exploring the financial landscape for part-time physical therapist assistants reveals earning potential that merits consideration. A PTA working 24 hours over three days a week could expect to take home roughly $46,715 annually. Meanwhile, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Galveston can fluctuate, with agency PTAs billing between $32 and $48 per hour. Although the effects of the Medicare cut implemented in 2022 have compressed pay in facilities that rely heavily on Medicare, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, there remains a variety of employer types that influence compensation. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, and pediatric clinics each present different pay structures. PTAs often face a trade-off when negotiating hourly rates; some may opt for lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prefer higher rates without added benefits. For those seeking positions in Galveston, knowing how to effectively negotiate based on these nuances can significantly impact career earnings.
More salary data for Galveston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Galveston in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Galveston?
Are physical therapist assistants in Galveston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Galveston?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Galveston?
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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 Galveston. 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 Galveston 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