Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Tyler, TX: $37.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Tyler, TX runs $37.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,736 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Tyler's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,642 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Tyler, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $37.37, surpassing the national hourly median of $33.77. This higher rate reflects the demand for skilled professionals in settings such as outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits, where PTAs often engage in therapeutic activities under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist. For part-time workers, such as those doing three shifts a week, this competitive hourly pay means that even with a reduced schedule, they can secure a respectable income. The hourly range for PTAs in Tyler varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $25.99 and experienced professionals potentially earning as much as $48.56, highlighting a path for career advancement in this field.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.99 | $207.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.87 | $254.93 |
| Median (P50) | $37.37 | $298.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.15 | $321.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.56 | $388.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tyler
Based on $37.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.37/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tyler, TX can expect to earn approximately $77,736 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,848. With a cost-of-living index of 92.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tyler.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tyler
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,494.93 | $6,478 | $77,736 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $896.96 | $3,887 | $46,642 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $597.97 | $2,591 | $31,094 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Tyler) | $37.37 |
| 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 Tyler, TX earn a median of $77,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.66% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.20% below the Texas state average of $77,892.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.37/hr = $46,642/year (purchasing power: $50,612).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,736/year (purchasing power: $84,353).
CoL index: 92.156 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+8.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tyler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tyler grew 2.3% from $35.55/hr (2019) to $36.38/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.39/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 Tyler 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 Tyler
Considering part-time earnings, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week can earn around $46,000 annually, which provides a stable income without committing to full-time hours. Many PTAs may explore per-diem opportunities, where they typically receive between $32 and $48 per hour, appealing to those seeking flexibility. In the realm of travel contracts, PTAs can expect to bill between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. However, challenges arise due to the 2022 Medicare cut, which has affected reimbursement for PTAs in skilled nursing facilities, pushing some to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits. Employment settings such as outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer higher rates, but positions may come with less stability compared to full-time roles that provide benefits. For those negotiating in Tyler, being flexible about hours while emphasizing skills and experience can strengthen their position in discussions about pay and benefits.
More salary data for Tyler, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tyler 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 Tyler. 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