Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Mountlake Terrace, WA: $30.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Mountlake Terrace, WA runs $30.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,537 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Mountlake Terrace's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,129 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Mountlake Terrace, Washington, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $30.55, which is about 9.55% lower than the national median of $33.77. This hourly pay is particularly relevant for those working part-time, as a typical 3-day work week could translate to significant annual earnings without requiring full-time hours. Positions in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services provide a wide range of compensation. Entry-level practitioners might start at approximately $23.32 per hour, while experienced PTAs can earn up to $38.53, reflecting their skills and the demands of the job. These figures are projected based on annual salary data but provide a concrete framework for understanding what physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Mountlake Terrace looks like for prospective job seekers in the field.
About the Mountlake Terrace 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) | $23.32 | $186.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.79 | $222.31 |
| Median (P50) | $30.55 | $244.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.79 | $278.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.53 | $308.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mountlake Terrace
Based on $30.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.55/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mountlake Terrace, WA can expect to earn approximately $63,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,662. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mountlake Terrace.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mountlake Terrace
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,222.08 | $5,296 | $63,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $733.25 | $3,177 | $38,129 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.83 | $2,118 | $25,419 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Mountlake Terrace) | $30.55 |
| 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 Mountlake Terrace, WA earn a median of $63,537 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.55% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.40% below the Washington state average of $68,615.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.55/hr = $38,129/year (purchasing power: $35,502).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,548/year (purchasing power: $59,169).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Mountlake Terrace (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Mountlake Terrace grew 16.3% from $25.57/hr (2019) to $29.74/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.39/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 Mountlake Terrace 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 Mountlake Terrace
Examining the earning potential in Mountlake Terrace reveals other nuances in the profession, particularly for those considering part-time or per-diem work. A physical therapist assistant working three days a week would gross about $38,000 annually, which is a solid income relative to other roles in healthcare. For per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in Mountlake Terrace, rates typically lie between $32 and $48 per hour, providing flexibility to earn based on immediate needs. Further, contract roles often yield higher weekly pay ranging from $1,200 to $1,800, especially in skilled nursing facilities where reimbursement challenges post-2022 Medicare cuts have affected base pay. Differences in hourly rates across employer types showcase the trade-offs PTAs face; for example, outpatient clinics may offer lower rates compared to hospital settings, which might provide better benefits. As PTAs consider offers, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against hourly pay, opting for slightly lower compensation with health insurance or higher wages with less job security. Negotiation strategies in this area largely hinge on one’s experience and familiarity with local hiring practices, particularly in Mountlake Terrace's evolving job market.
More salary data for Mountlake Terrace, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Mountlake Terrace in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Mountlake Terrace?
Are physical therapist assistants in Mountlake Terrace paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Mountlake Terrace?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Mountlake Terrace?
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 Mountlake Terrace. 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 Mountlake Terrace 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