Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Covington, WA: $30.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Covington, WA runs $30.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,431 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Covington's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,654 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Covington, Washington, the projected physical therapist assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $30.97, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77. This rate provides an interesting context for part-time positions, where PTAs might work three days a week, averaging around 24 hours. In typical settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health scenarios, the hourly pay can often reflect an entry-level rate of $21.75 to premium rates up to $38.74 for those with more experience. This visibility into the hourly earnings shows the flexibility of the profession but also highlights the economic potential available for part-time or per-diem roles.
About the Covington Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.75 | $173.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.00 | $224.03 |
| Median (P50) | $30.97 | $247.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.16 | $281.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.74 | $309.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Covington
Based on $30.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.97/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Covington, WA can expect to earn approximately $64,424 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,168. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Covington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Covington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,238.92 | $5,369 | $64,424 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $743.35 | $3,221 | $38,654 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $495.57 | $2,147 | $25,770 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Covington) | $30.97 |
| 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 Covington, WA earn a median of $64,431 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.28% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 6.10% below the Washington state average of $68,617.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.97/hr = $38,654/year (purchasing power: $35,991).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,424/year (purchasing power: $59,985).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Covington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Covington grew 16.3% from $25.92/hr (2019) to $30.15/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.82/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 Covington 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 Covington
For those considering part-time work, a physical therapist assistant clocking in at 24 hours a week generates about $38,363 annually before taxes, indicating that many may choose part-time positions for the flexibility it offers. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Covington tends to vary, with common billing rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour. Additionally, travel PTA contracts can yield impressive weekly pay from $1,200 to $1,800. However, with the 2022 Medicare reimbursement cuts impacting skilled nursing facilities, agency positions have seen shifts in pay dynamics. In Covington, hourly rates can also differ significantly based on the employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics usually providing competitive compensation compared to pediatrics or school therapy. For PTAs, understanding these nuances is crucial, particularly in negotiations; balancing potential higher hourly rates against the stability offered by full-time positions with benefits can be a strategic consideration in the job market.
More salary data for Covington, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Covington in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Covington?
Are physical therapist assistants in Covington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Covington?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Covington?
Related Pages
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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 Covington. 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 Covington 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