Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Moses Lake, WA: $31.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Moses Lake, WA runs $31.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,211 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Moses Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,731 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moses Lake, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $31.84 in 2026. This figure is somewhat lower than the national hourly median of $33.77, indicating a slight regional variance. For those seeking part-time work, such as a three-day work week, this rate translates to around $1,195.68 monthly, which can provide a reasonable income for those balancing other commitments. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $24.03 per hour, while experienced practitioners can earn up to $40.82 per hour. These hourly rates reflect estimates derived from annual salary data, serving as a guideline for PTAs working in various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy environments in Moses Lake.
About the Moses Lake 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) | $24.03 | $192.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.88 | $231.02 |
| Median (P50) | $31.84 | $254.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.53 | $292.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.82 | $326.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moses Lake
Based on $31.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.84/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moses Lake, WA can expect to earn approximately $66,219 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,203. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Moses Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moses Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,273.44 | $5,518 | $66,219 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.06 | $3,311 | $39,731 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.38 | $2,207 | $26,488 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Moses Lake) | $31.84 |
| 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 Moses Lake, WA earn a median of $66,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.75% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.50% below the Washington state average of $68,612.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.84/hr = $39,731/year (purchasing power: $36,994).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,219/year (purchasing power: $61,656).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Moses Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Moses Lake grew 16.3% from $26.64/hr (2019) to $30.99/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.71/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 Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake
Looking beyond the basic hourly figures, the 2026 projections shed light on the earning potential for different work setups in Moses Lake. A part-time physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week might earn roughly $38,369 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts but still a viable option for those valuing flexibility. Per diem positions offer variable rates, typically falling between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel contracts providing lucrative opportunities of $1,200 to $1,800 per week. However, since the 15% Medicare cut for PTA services enacted in 2022, pay in skilled nursing facilities has been impacted, prompting some assistants to seek more lucrative opportunities elsewhere. Rates can differ based on employer type, with outpatient and pediatric settings often offering higher pay compared to typical SNF or hospital-based roles. As PTAs navigate these decisions, they may need to weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates with health insurance against higher rates without benefits, making negotiation skills essential in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Moses Lake, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Moses Lake in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Moses Lake?
Are physical therapist assistants in Moses Lake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Moses Lake?
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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 Moses Lake. 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 Moses Lake 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