Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Pharr, TX: $37.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Pharr, TX runs $37.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,340 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Pharr's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,398 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pharr, TX, physical therapist assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $37.18, which surpasses the national hourly median of $33.77 by over 10%. This elevated pay provides an attractive opportunity for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work, especially in settings such as outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy programs. Entry-level physical therapist assistants in the area may start around $24.81 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach earnings of $49.81 per hour, demonstrating a solid pathway for advancement. It's important to note that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the dynamic demands of the field and the environments in which PTAs work.
About the Pharr 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) | $24.81 | $198.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.61 | $268.91 |
| Median (P50) | $37.18 | $297.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.74 | $349.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.81 | $398.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pharr
Based on $37.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.18/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pharr, TX can expect to earn approximately $77,330 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,614. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pharr.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pharr
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,487.12 | $6,444 | $77,330 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $892.27 | $3,867 | $46,398 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $594.85 | $2,578 | $30,932 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Pharr) | $37.18 |
| 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 Pharr, TX earn a median of $77,340 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.70% below the Texas state average of $77,885.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.18/hr = $46,398/year (purchasing power: $48,331).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,330/year (purchasing power: $80,552).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pharr (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pharr grew 16.3% from $31.11/hr (2019) to $36.19/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.19/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 Pharr 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 Pharr
Exploring part-time earning potential in Pharr, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week (24 hours) can expect to take home approximately $46,770 annually, contrasted with the greater financial security of a full-time salary. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Pharr typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour. Travel physical therapist assistants can find contracts paying between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly, making this a lucrative area. However, the impact of the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement for PTA services, which took effect in 2022, is notable, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where premium pay has been affected. Hourly rates also vary between employer types in Pharr; outpatient clinics may offer competitive pay, while those working with schools or in early intervention may trade off higher wages for benefits like health insurance. Consequently, negotiation becomes key for PTAs looking to balance hourly pay against benefits, making knowledge of local pay trends and service demands essential for success in this profession.
More salary data for Pharr, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pharr in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Pharr?
Are physical therapist assistants in Pharr paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Pharr?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pharr?
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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 Pharr. 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 Pharr 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