Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Pearland, TX: $37.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Pearland, TX runs $37.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,173 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Pearland's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,308 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pearland, Texas, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $37.11, which is notably higher than the national average of $33.77. This robust pay reflects not only the demand for PTAs in various healthcare settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services but also the overall cost of living in the region. For part-time professionals working about 24 hours a week in these environments, this hourly rate provides a solid income while allowing for flexibility. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in Pearland varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $25.86 hourly and experienced workers reaching up to $49.03, highlighting the earning potential that comes with experience and specialization in areas like pediatric therapy or inpatient rehab.
About the Pearland 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) | $25.86 | $206.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.24 | $257.89 |
| Median (P50) | $37.11 | $296.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.06 | $344.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.03 | $392.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pearland
Based on $37.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.11/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pearland, TX can expect to earn approximately $77,181 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,527. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pearland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pearland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,484.24 | $6,432 | $77,181 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $890.55 | $3,859 | $46,308 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $593.70 | $2,573 | $30,872 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Pearland) | $37.11 |
| 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 Pearland, TX earn a median of $77,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.86% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% below the Texas state average of $77,874.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.11/hr = $46,308/year (purchasing power: $48,238).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,181/year (purchasing power: $80,396).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pearland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pearland grew 16.3% from $31.05/hr (2019) to $36.12/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.12/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 Pearland 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 Pearland
Considering the part-time earning opportunities, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week can expect to take home a substantial income annually, while full-time positions may yield higher overall earnings. However, many PTAs choose per diem roles or agency work, where typical pay ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, depending on the setting and demand. Notably, travel PTA contracts might command between $1,200 and $1,800 per week, but recent Medicare reimbursement cuts have pressured pay rates, especially within skilled nursing facilities. Agency staff might see lower salaries due to these factors, which makes the employer type critical in terms of hourly pay. For those in Pearland, negotiating for higher hourly rates often involves balancing between immediate pay and benefits such as health insurance, an essential consideration for many PTAs navigating their career paths, including potential transitions within PTA-to-DPT bridge programs endorsed by organizations like APTA.
More salary data for Pearland, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pearland 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 Pearland. 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 Pearland 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