Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in South Charleston, WV: $28.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in South Charleston, WV runs $28.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,966 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against South Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,385 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Charleston, the projection for physical therapist assistant hourly pay in 2026 stands at $28.35, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-a-week schedule, this hourly rate translates to a reliable income source while allowing for flexibility in managing life commitments. The varying hourly range—from approximately $20.89 for entry-level positions to $33.94 for experienced professionals—highlights differences in compensation depending on skill and experience. Physical therapist assistants in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services can utilize these rates to gauge expected earnings in their roles. Given the nature of their work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, hourly wages are essential for structuring per-diem work or supplemental shifts, such as rehabilitation in hospitals or pediatric facilities.
About the South Charleston 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) | $20.89 | $167.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.23 | $201.84 |
| Median (P50) | $28.35 | $226.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.17 | $249.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.94 | $271.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Charleston
Based on $28.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.35/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $58,975 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,024. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,134.14 | $4,915 | $58,975 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $680.48 | $2,949 | $35,385 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.66 | $1,966 | $23,590 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (South Charleston) | $28.35 |
| 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 South Charleston, WV earn a median of $58,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.06% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.20% below the West Virginia state average of $61,551.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.35/hr = $35,385/year (purchasing power: $40,908).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,975/year (purchasing power: $68,179).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in South Charleston grew 16.3% from $23.73/hr (2019) to $27.60/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.13/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 South Charleston 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 South Charleston
The potential earnings for part-time physical therapist assistants emphasize the choice between full-time and flexible schedules. For instance, a PTA working 24 hours weekly could see annual earnings significantly less than their full-time counterparts, who benefit from consistent work patterns and more stable financial returns. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in South Charleston generally ranges between $32 to $48 per hour, particularly for those engaged in agency roles. However, since the 15% Medicare cut was implemented, reimbursement pressures in skilled nursing facilities have affected pay, compelling some PTAs to seek alternative employment environments. Additionally, hourly wages can differ based on employer type; outpatient clinics may offer competitive pay, while home health and school therapy programs might provide benefits that justify lower rates. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers can make a substantial impact—understanding the local market, highlighting unique skills, and weighing employment offers in terms of total compensation, including benefits, can help PTAs make informed decisions about their careers in South Charleston, WV.
More salary data for South Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in South Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in South Charleston?
Are physical therapist assistants in South Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in South Charleston?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in South Charleston?
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 South Charleston. 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 South Charleston 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