Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Longview, WA: $32.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Longview, WA runs $32.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,935 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Longview's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,167 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Longview, Washington, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to hit a median of $32.19 in 2026, slightly trailing behind the national hourly median of $33.77. This rate reflects what PTAs in the area can expect to earn at various points in their careers, with hourly wages ranging from $22.11 for entry-level positions to as much as $42.03 for top earners. For those considering part-time work—around three days a week, for example—the income can still be substantial, allowing for flexibility in work-life balance while earning a comfortable rate. In diverse settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments, the hourly rate plays a crucial role in how PTAs structure their schedules and financial planning, especially for those who may work per diem.
About the Longview 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) | $22.11 | $176.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.67 | $221.32 |
| Median (P50) | $32.19 | $257.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.32 | $298.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.03 | $336.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Longview
Based on $32.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.19/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Longview, WA can expect to earn approximately $66,945 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,622. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Longview.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Longview
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,287.41 | $5,579 | $66,945 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $772.45 | $3,347 | $40,167 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $514.96 | $2,232 | $26,778 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Longview) | $32.19 |
| 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 Longview, WA earn a median of $66,935 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.50% below the Washington state average of $68,651.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.19/hr = $40,167/year (purchasing power: $37,400).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,945/year (purchasing power: $62,333).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Longview grew 16.3% from $26.94/hr (2019) to $31.33/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.06/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 Longview 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 Longview
Exploring the earnings potential for a part-time physical therapist assistant in Longview provides insightful context. Working approximately 24 hours a week could yield an annual income that, while lower than a full-time schedule, still offers a decent living when carefully managed. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Longview can vary significantly, averaging between $32 and $48 per hour, making it an appealing option for those who prefer flexibility. However, it's important to note that travel PTA contracts can range from $1,200 to $1,800 per week, which may offset the lower rates traditional settings offer post-Medicare cuts implemented in 2022. Various employer types, including outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities, might offer different pay scales influenced by local demand and facility budgets, particularly as the reimbursement landscape evolves. Some PTAs accept lower hourly rates for consistent hours and benefits like health insurance, making informed negotiations crucial for anyone entering this profession in Longview.
More salary data for Longview, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Longview in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Longview?
Are physical therapist assistants in Longview paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Longview?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Longview?
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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 Longview. 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 Longview 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