Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Weslaco, TX: $36.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Weslaco, TX runs $36.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Weslaco's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,424 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Weslaco, TX, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a compelling $36.40, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $33.77. This competitive rate provides significant financial viability for those working in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy programs. For part-time physical therapist assistants operating a typical schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a reasonable income while allowing flexibility. Moreover, entry-level positions may see hourly rates starting at $24.98, while top earners can command as much as $47.24. These numbers highlight the potential for growth and achievement in the profession, particularly for individuals invested in advancing their skills and exploring the PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways endorsed by the APTA.
About the Weslaco 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) | $24.98 | $199.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.37 | $266.93 |
| Median (P50) | $36.40 | $291.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.14 | $337.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.24 | $377.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Weslaco
Based on $36.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.40/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Weslaco, TX can expect to earn approximately $75,706 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,677. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Weslaco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Weslaco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,455.89 | $6,309 | $75,706 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $873.53 | $3,785 | $45,424 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $582.36 | $2,524 | $30,283 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Weslaco) | $36.40 |
| 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 Weslaco, TX earn a median of $75,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.78% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.80% below the Texas state average of $77,893.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.40/hr = $45,424/year (purchasing power: $47,316).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,706/year (purchasing power: $78,861).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Weslaco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Weslaco grew 16.3% from $30.46/hr (2019) to $35.43/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.39/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 Weslaco 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 Weslaco
The earning potential for a physical therapist assistant working part-time in Weslaco can be substantial. With a three-day schedule amounting to approximately 24 hours a week, one might earn around $45,158 annually, a noticeable shift compared to full-time earnings. For those considering per diem opportunities, pay rates typically range from $32 to $48 per hour, enabling greater financial freedom depending on workload and specializations. However, travel contracts can yield significantly higher weekly incomes, often ranging from $1,200 to $1,800, making them an attractive option for some PTAs. The competition among employers affects hourly rates as well; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer different rates compared to skilled nursing facilities, particularly following the CMS's 15% Medicare cut that has influenced compensation structures. While some PTAs opt for lower-paying jobs aligned with health benefits, others may choose to prioritize higher hourly rates without those additional perks. Therefore, understanding the market and negotiating effectively are crucial steps for PTAs seeking optimal pay, especially in an evolving healthcare landscape in Weslaco.
More salary data for Weslaco, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Weslaco. 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 Weslaco 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