Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Huntington, WV: $29.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Huntington, WV runs $29.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,566 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Huntington's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.4, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,936 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Huntington, West Virginia, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly pay of $29.60, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $33.77. This disparity reflects the market conditions and cost of living in the area, where physical therapist assistants typically work in settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health environments, and hospitals. The hourly rates range from $22.54 at the 10th percentile to $39.10 at the 90th percentile, accommodating both entry-level positions and experienced professionals. For those in part-time roles, such as three days a week, or per-diem arrangements, this hourly rate can dictate their financial stability and flexibility within the profession.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.54 | $180.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.04 | $200.28 |
| Median (P50) | $29.60 | $236.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.82 | $262.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.10 | $312.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntington
Based on $29.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.60/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntington, WV can expect to earn approximately $61,561 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,516. With a cost-of-living index of 88.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,183.86 | $5,130 | $61,561 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.32 | $3,078 | $36,936 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.54 | $2,052 | $24,624 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Huntington) | $29.60 |
| 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 Huntington, WV earn a median of $61,566 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.36% lower than the national median of $70,247.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.60/hr = $36,936/year (purchasing power: $41,773).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,561/year (purchasing power: $69,622).
CoL index: 88.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Huntington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Huntington grew 13.6% from $25.35/hr (2019) to $28.81/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.40/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 Huntington 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 Huntington
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants, committing to a schedule of 24 hours a week results in a significantly lower annual income compared to full-time work. While per-diem physical therapist assistants in Huntington can bill an hourly rate of $32 to $48, recent trends indicate that these agencies previously offering travel PTA contracts have adjusted their pay scales due to the ongoing impact of the Medicare cut, which has affected compensation especially in skilled nursing facilities. Across different employer types in the area—be it outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or hospital settings—hourly rates vary, often reflecting the benefits offered. For instance, while some facilities provide health insurance and paid time off at a lower hourly rate, others might offer higher pay without benefits. Professionals looking to negotiate their hourly wage should consider local demand, their qualifications, and the potential for employment benefits that could impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Huntington, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Huntington in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Huntington?
Are physical therapist assistants in Huntington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Huntington?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Huntington?
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 Huntington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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