Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Plano, TX: $39.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Plano, TX runs $39.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,345 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Plano's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,808 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Plano, Texas, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $39.11, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This competitive hourly rate provides an attractive option for those considering part-time or per-diem roles. Within typical settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health, part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, can find financial stability while enjoying a flexible schedule. The hourly wage spans from $25.47 for entry-level positions up to $51.78 for top earners, reflecting the diverse range of opportunities across various specialties and practice environments. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates based on data from 2025, projected to 2026, indicating a robust compensation framework for physical therapist assistants in the area.
About the Plano 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) | $25.47 | $203.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.71 | $261.67 |
| Median (P50) | $39.11 | $312.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.22 | $361.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.78 | $414.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plano
Based on $39.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.11/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plano, TX can expect to earn approximately $81,347 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,931. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plano.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plano
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,564.37 | $6,779 | $81,347 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $938.62 | $4,067 | $48,808 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $625.75 | $2,712 | $32,539 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Plano) | $39.11 |
| 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 Plano, TX earn a median of $81,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.80% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 4.50% above the Texas state average of $77,842.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.11/hr = $48,808/year (purchasing power: $50,842).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,347/year (purchasing power: $84,737).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Plano grew 16.3% from $32.73/hr (2019) to $38.07/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.18/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 Plano 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 Plano
For those contemplating part-time positions, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) in Plano can earn a substantial income, although it may vary compared to a full-time schedule. The per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Plano typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts offering weekly pay between $1,200 and $1,800. However, many skilled nursing facilities have adjusted pay due to the 15% Medicare cuts implemented in 2022, making it crucial for PTAs to understand the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefit packages. Work settings such as outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer competitive salaries, while skilled nursing facilities could present challenges following these reimbursement changes. When negotiating hourly rates, physical therapist assistants should leverage their unique skills and consider clinic-specific dynamics, as higher pay often comes without benefits, influencing career decisions for many in the field.
More salary data for Plano, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Plano in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Plano?
Are physical therapist assistants in Plano paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Plano?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Plano?
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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 Plano. 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 Plano 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