Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $32.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in University Place, WA runs $32.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,308 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,385 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, Washington, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $32.36, which is slightly below the national average of $33.77. This hourly rate can offer a competitive wage for part-time workers and per-diem physical therapist assistants, who typically function in various environments like outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and even home health care visits. The hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in this region range from $22.67 for entry-level positions to $42.54 for the most experienced practitioners. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the earning potential of PTAs in a market where the cost of living index is higher than the national average.
About the University Place 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) | $22.67 | $181.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.04 | $224.28 |
| Median (P50) | $32.36 | $258.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.88 | $287.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.54 | $340.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $32.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.36/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $67,309 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,832. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,294.40 | $5,609 | $67,309 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $776.64 | $3,365 | $40,385 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $517.76 | $2,244 | $26,923 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (University Place) | $32.36 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $67,308 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.18% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $68,611.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.36/hr = $40,385/year (purchasing power: $37,603).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,309/year (purchasing power: $62,671).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in University Place grew 16.3% from $27.08/hr (2019) to $31.50/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.24/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 University Place 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 University Place
Exploring the earning potential for physical therapist assistants reveals distinct financial paths based on working arrangements. For a PTA working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours per week, the annual take-home is significantly less than their full-time counterparts, pushing earnings to nearly $50,000 rather than the full-time trajectory of over $67,000. Per diem physical therapist assistants often command hourly pay between $32 and $48, and those taking on travel contracts can expect weekly compensation in the range of $1,200 to $1,800. However, hourly rates can differ across employer types in University Place; those in outpatient orthopedic clinics or pediatric settings may earn more than their peers in skilled nursing facilities, which have been affected by the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut since 2022. Some PTAs might accept lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance benefits, while others pursue higher rates with no benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay, it’s crucial to consider both the overall package and the specific demands of the employer in this competitive market.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in University Place in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in University Place?
Are physical therapist assistants in University Place paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in University Place?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in University Place?
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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 University Place. 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 University Place 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