Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Roanoke, VA: $33.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Roanoke, VA runs $33.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,973 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Roanoke's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,385 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Roanoke, Virginia, physical therapist assistants (PTAs) earn a median hourly pay of $33.16, which is slightly below the national median of $33.77. This rate translates into valuable earnings for those working part-time schedules, such as three days a week, making it a viable option for many professionals looking for flexibility. Typically employed in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services, PTAs in Roanoke enjoy a range of hourly compensation reflecting their experience: the pay starts at approximately $24.20 for entry-level positions and can reach $40.18 for top earners. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight both the opportunities and variances that exist within the local job market.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.20 | $193.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.48 | $227.81 |
| Median (P50) | $33.16 | $265.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.84 | $294.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.18 | $321.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Roanoke
Based on $33.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.16/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Roanoke, VA can expect to earn approximately $68,975 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,793. With a cost-of-living index of 93.62 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Roanoke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Roanoke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,326.45 | $5,748 | $68,975 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $795.87 | $3,449 | $41,385 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $530.58 | $2,299 | $27,590 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Roanoke) | $33.16 |
| 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 Roanoke, VA earn a median of $68,973 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.81% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 8.80% below the Virginia state average of $75,628.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.16/hr = $41,385/year (purchasing power: $44,206).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,975/year (purchasing power: $73,677).
CoL index: 93.618 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+5.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Roanoke grew 0.4% from $32.16/hr (2019) to $32.28/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.07/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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke
For those considering part-time work, a PTA who commits to a 24-hour work week can expect annual earnings significantly less than their full-time counterparts, potentially around $41,000 before taxes. This can be especially appealing for parents or students pursuing their education while working as a PTA. On the flip side, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Roanoke typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, providing an opportunity to earn competitive rates while enjoying flexible work hours. However, these rates have been influenced by the 15% cuts in Medicare reimbursement, especially in skilled nursing facilities, altering the landscape of earnings in heavily Medicare-reliant settings. Different employer types such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, home health agencies, and pediatric therapy programs may also offer varying hourly rates and benefits packages, leading some PTAs to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance. When negotiating hourly pay, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against take-home pay, enabling PTAs to make informed decisions that align with their financial and personal priorities in Roanoke.
More salary data for Roanoke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Roanoke 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 Roanoke. 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