Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Pullman, WA: $31.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Pullman, WA runs $31.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,869 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Pullman's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,526 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pullman, Washington, physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be around $31.67 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $33.77. This wage reflects the payment structure typically seen in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For part-time workers, such as those who may choose a three-day workweek, this hourly rate can still provide a competitive income, especially for per-diem positions, where flexibility is often a priority. Entry-level PTAs could start earning approximately $23.67 per hour, while top earners can command up to $41.50 hourly. These figures highlight the variability in hourly rates based on experience and type of facility, providing valuable insight for those considering this career path in Pullman.
About the Pullman 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) | $23.67 | $189.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.53 | $228.22 |
| Median (P50) | $31.67 | $253.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.81 | $294.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.50 | $332.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pullman
Based on $31.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.67/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pullman, WA can expect to earn approximately $65,877 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,006. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pullman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pullman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,266.87 | $5,490 | $65,877 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $760.12 | $3,294 | $39,526 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $506.75 | $2,196 | $26,351 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Pullman) | $31.67 |
| 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 Pullman, WA earn a median of $65,869 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.23% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.00% below the Washington state average of $68,614.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.67/hr = $39,526/year (purchasing power: $36,803).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,877/year (purchasing power: $61,338).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pullman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pullman grew 16.3% from $26.51/hr (2019) to $30.83/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.54/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 Pullman 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 Pullman
While a full-time physical therapist assistant salary can offer solid financial stability, part-time workers can also find rewarding opportunities in Pullman. A PTA working three days per week typically covers about 24 hours, which would bring home roughly $39,851 annually, compared to earnings for a full-time role. For those opting for per diem engagements, they can expect prevailing rates of $32 to $48 an hour depending on the facility and demand—it’s important to note that travel PTA assignments may yield higher earnings, reaching between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. However, these roles often come with trade-offs. Some PTAs might take home a lower hourly wage for the sake of comprehensive health benefits, while others may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. Given the recent 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursement for PTA services from 2022, pay structures have tightened particularly in affordable healthcare settings. To negotiate effectively, physical therapist assistants in Pullman should focus on their unique skills, the demand for PTAs in their desired practice area, and consider the total compensation of any offer beyond hourly pay, including benefits.
More salary data for Pullman, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pullman in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Pullman?
Are physical therapist assistants in Pullman paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Pullman?
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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 Pullman. 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 Pullman 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