Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in McAllen, TX: $35.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in McAllen, TX runs $35.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,500 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against McAllen's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,706 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In McAllen, TX, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $35.82, which reflects a notable advantage over the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This rate provides a solid opportunity for part-time job seekers and per-diem workers, who typically find positions in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and hospital rehabilitation units. Entry-level professionals may start at roughly $22.29 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $49.90 per hour. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that physical therapist assistants in McAllen can benefit from a strong earnings potential even in lesser-known local therapy spaces such as pediatric clinics.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.29 | $178.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.63 | $245.07 |
| Median (P50) | $35.82 | $286.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.60 | $340.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.90 | $399.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McAllen
Based on $35.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.82/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McAllen, TX can expect to earn approximately $74,510 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,986. With a cost-of-living index of 85.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in McAllen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McAllen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,432.88 | $6,209 | $74,510 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $859.73 | $3,725 | $44,706 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $573.15 | $2,484 | $29,804 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (McAllen) | $35.82 |
| 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 McAllen, TX earn a median of $74,500 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.05% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 4.30% below the Texas state average of $77,847.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.82/hr = $44,706/year (purchasing power: $52,047).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,510/year (purchasing power: $86,745).
CoL index: 85.895 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+2.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in McAllen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in McAllen grew -2.6% from $35.80/hr (2019) to $34.87/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.80/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 McAllen 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 McAllen
When considering a part-time schedule of three days per week, physical therapist assistants take home a different financial picture compared to full-time roles. Working 24 hours weekly could yield around $44,537 annually, which can be appealing for those balancing other commitments. For per diem roles, physical therapist assistant pay in McAllen varies, with typical billing rates between $32 and $48 per hour, depending on experience and setting. Additionally, travel PTA contracts offer weekly rates of $1,200 to $1,800, though pay at skilled nursing facilities may have decreased since the 2022 Medicare cuts impacted reimbursements. Moreover, hourly wages can differ significantly across employer types, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and home health agencies, as PTAs weigh benefits versus higher wages in positions lacking health insurance. Practical negotiation tips, such as understanding the local demand for services and the effects of CMS regulations, can empower practitioners in McAllen to navigate salary discussions effectively.
More salary data for McAllen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in McAllen in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in McAllen?
Are physical therapist assistants in McAllen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in McAllen?
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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 McAllen. 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