Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Fairmont, WV: $27.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Fairmont, WV runs $27.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,281 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Fairmont's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,372 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairmont, West Virginia, the projected physical therapist assistant hourly pay for 2026 is estimated at $27.54, which is significantly lower than the national median of $33.77. This difference can impact part-time professionals who work three days a week, as it translates to potential earnings of roughly $1,000 monthly. For per-diem physical therapist assistants working in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health settings, the hourly pay could vary widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $21.27 and top earners reaching up to $34.05. This wage range emphasizes the disparity in compensation based on experience and specific employment situations within Fairmont, illustrating the critical importance of understanding regional pay structures.
About the Fairmont Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.27 | $170.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.22 | $201.76 |
| Median (P50) | $27.54 | $220.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.94 | $247.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.05 | $272.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairmont
Based on $27.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.54/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairmont, WV can expect to earn approximately $57,287 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,050. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fairmont.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairmont
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,101.68 | $4,774 | $57,287 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $661.01 | $2,864 | $34,372 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $440.67 | $1,910 | $22,915 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Fairmont) | $27.54 |
| 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 Fairmont, WV earn a median of $57,281 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.46% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 6.90% below the West Virginia state average of $61,527.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.54/hr = $34,372/year (purchasing power: $39,737).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,287/year (purchasing power: $66,228).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Fairmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Fairmont grew 16.3% from $23.05/hr (2019) to $26.81/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.29/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 Fairmont 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 Fairmont
For those considering a part-time PTA role, working 24 hours a week would yield an annual income that is considerably lower than what full-time employees might earn. Specifically, a part-time physical therapist assistant could expect to take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts, which might drive some to pursue per-diem positions or agency work. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Fairmont typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, giving those professionals an attractive choice in terms of flexibility, especially if they take on travel contracts offering weekly pay between $1,200 and $1,800. However, the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA-provided services means that hourly rates in skilled nursing facilities may reflect reduced budgets and fluctuating demand. Variations in hourly rates also depend on the type of facility—from outpatient orthopedic clinics to pediatric therapy programs—with many PTAs weighing the trade-offs between lower hourly wages with health benefits versus higher hourly rates without fringe benefits. When negotiating compensation, it's beneficial for workers in Fairmont to consider the entire employment package, including benefits, job stability, and opportunities for advancement along PTA-to-DPT pathways.
More salary data for Fairmont, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Fairmont in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Fairmont?
Are physical therapist assistants in Fairmont paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Fairmont?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fairmont?
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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 Fairmont. 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 Fairmont 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