Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Oak Harbor, WA: $31.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Oak Harbor, WA runs $31.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,853 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Oak Harbor's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,911 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Harbor, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $31.18 in 2026. This figure is somewhat below the national median hourly rate of $33.77. For those working part-time, such as in outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities, this translates to a competitive but modest wage considering the cost of living index in Oak Harbor stands at 107.4. Entry-level physical therapist assistants can expect to earn around $22.23 per hour, while experienced professionals in top-paying positions may earn as much as $37.52. This hourly rate is crucial for part-time workers and per-diem physical therapist assistants, who often find themselves navigating flexible schedules in diverse settings like hospital rehab units, home health visits, and pediatric therapy spaces.
About the Oak Harbor 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) | $22.23 | $177.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.21 | $217.71 |
| Median (P50) | $31.18 | $249.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.49 | $275.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.52 | $300.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Harbor
Based on $31.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.18/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Harbor, WA can expect to earn approximately $64,851 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,414. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oak Harbor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Harbor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,247.14 | $5,404 | $64,851 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $748.29 | $3,243 | $38,911 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.86 | $2,162 | $25,941 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Oak Harbor) | $31.18 |
| 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 Oak Harbor, WA earn a median of $64,853 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.68% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.50% below the Washington state average of $68,628.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.18/hr = $38,911/year (purchasing power: $36,230).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,851/year (purchasing power: $60,383).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Oak Harbor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Oak Harbor grew 16.3% from $26.09/hr (2019) to $30.35/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.03/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 Oak Harbor 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 Oak Harbor
Looking at the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week, it becomes evident how their financial outlook compares to full-time counterparts. A PTA working 24 hours weekly could expect to take home about $38,000 annually, which highlights the practicality of per diem roles that often pay between $32 and $48 per hour. However, those working in skilled nursing facilities might face pay compression due to recent Medicare cuts affecting reimbursement rates for PTA services, which can limit earnings. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the employer type in Oak Harbor, with outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offering different pay than home health agencies or pediatric clinics. While some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others might pursue higher wages without benefits. It's vital for PTAs in the area to negotiate effectively, considering their experience and the specific demands of the job market.
More salary data for Oak Harbor, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Oak Harbor in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Oak Harbor?
Are physical therapist assistants in Oak Harbor paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Oak Harbor?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Harbor?
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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 Oak Harbor. 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 Oak Harbor 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