Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Pasadena, TX: $37.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Pasadena, TX runs $37.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,351 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,014 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, Texas, a physical therapist assistant commands a median hourly rate of $37.67, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77 per hour. This rate reflects not only the local demand but also the cost of living considerations in the area. For those working part-time—estimated at three days a week—the financial landscape can be appealing, with earnings enough to support basic expenses when working in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health care, or pediatric therapy. The hourly pay typically spans from $26.63 for entry-level positions to $50.21 for top earners, highlighting the potential for increased compensation with experience and expertise. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates and offer a glimpse into the promising income potential for PTAs in Pasadena's diverse healthcare settings.
About the Pasadena 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) | $26.63 | $213.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.99 | $263.89 |
| Median (P50) | $37.67 | $301.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.01 | $352.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.21 | $401.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $37.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.67/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, TX can expect to earn approximately $78,356 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,205. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,506.84 | $6,530 | $78,356 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $904.11 | $3,918 | $47,014 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $602.74 | $2,612 | $31,342 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Pasadena) | $37.67 |
| 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 Pasadena, TX earn a median of $78,351 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.54% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.60% above the Texas state average of $77,884.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.67/hr = $47,014/year (purchasing power: $48,972).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,356/year (purchasing power: $81,621).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pasadena grew 16.3% from $31.53/hr (2019) to $36.67/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.70/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
Exploring the earning potential for a part-time physical therapist assistant reveals an intriguing comparison against full-time counterparts. A PTA working 24 hours per week could expect to bring home approximately $48,000 annually, which can be appealing, especially when considering lifestyle flexibility. Per diem positions, often available through agencies, can pay between $32 and $48 per hour, and travel contract roles might offer earnings ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. However, the pay landscape has seen some compression due to Medicare’s 15% reimbursement cut for PTA services, influencing compensation in settings like skilled nursing facilities where many PTAs find employment. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often offering competitive pay, while hospital and home health settings might present different opportunities and benefits. PTAs must weigh the trade-offs between accepting lower rates for benefits like health insurance versus opting for higher pay with no additional support. Negotiating effectively within Pasadena often hinges on showcasing skills and certifications, particularly for those interested in pursuing PTA-to-DPT bridge programs.
More salary data for Pasadena, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Pasadena?
Are physical therapist assistants in Pasadena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Pasadena?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pasadena?
Related Pages
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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