Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Highland, UT: $28.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Highland, UT runs $28.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,283 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Highland's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,565 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Highland, Utah, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapist assistants in 2026 stands at $28.50. This figure represents a notable gap compared to the national average of $33.77 per hour, making it important for job seekers to consider their options carefully. With this hourly rate, professionals working part-time—such as those in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health—stand to take home a consistent paycheck, especially if they work three days a week. For entry-level PTAs, hourly rates start around $20.12, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $34.15 at the top end of the pay spectrum. It’s vital to remember that these hourly figures are derived from broader annual salary data, reflecting how competitive this field can be in a city like Highland.
About the Highland Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.12 | $161.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.50 | $212.03 |
| Median (P50) | $28.50 | $227.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.34 | $250.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.15 | $273.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Highland
Based on $28.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.50/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Highland, UT can expect to earn approximately $59,274 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,197. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Highland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Highland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,139.89 | $4,940 | $59,274 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $683.94 | $2,964 | $35,565 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.96 | $1,976 | $23,710 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Highland) | $28.50 |
| 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 Highland, UT earn a median of $59,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.61% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.90% below the Utah state average of $63,000.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.50/hr = $35,565/year (purchasing power: $36,253).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,274/year (purchasing power: $60,422).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Highland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Highland grew 16.3% from $23.85/hr (2019) to $27.74/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.28/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 Highland 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 Highland
Focusing more deeply on the financial prospects, a physical therapist assistant working a part-time schedule of 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $35,640 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. For those exploring per-diem options, the range for physical therapist assistant pay in Highland varies broadly, with per diem PTAs typically earning between $32 and $48 per hour. While agency and travel contracts can provide lucrative opportunities, paying between $1,200 and $1,800 per week, compensation in skilled nursing facilities has taken a hit since the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut in 2022. Hourly variations also exist based on the employer type—outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospitals, and pediatric clinics often offer different hourly rates. Some PTAs may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay. Negotiating for a better physical therapist assistant hourly rate in Highland often comes down to understanding local trends and leveraging unique skills to stand out.
More salary data for Highland, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Highland in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Highland?
Are physical therapist assistants in Highland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Highland?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Highland?
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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 Highland. 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 Highland 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