Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Middleton, WI: $28.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Middleton, WI runs $28.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,198 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Middleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,116 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middleton, Wisconsin, the median hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant is projected to be $28.94 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.77, indicating a regional disparity that potential PTAs should consider. For those working part-time, such as three days a week or in per-diem roles, this hourly wage translates into various earning potentials depending on the settings. Physical therapist assistants often find employment in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health environments, and pediatric therapy spaces. With an hourly range spanning from $22.04 for entry-level positions to $36.44 for seasoned professionals, the landscape offers varying opportunities based on experience and specific workplace expectations.
About the Middleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.04 | $176.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.28 | $210.23 |
| Median (P50) | $28.94 | $231.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.92 | $263.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.44 | $291.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middleton
Based on $28.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.94/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $60,193 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,727. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Middleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,157.56 | $5,016 | $60,193 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $694.54 | $3,010 | $36,116 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.02 | $2,006 | $24,077 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Middleton) | $28.94 |
| 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 Middleton, WI earn a median of $60,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.31% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $65,079.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.94/hr = $36,116/year (purchasing power: $38,668).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,193/year (purchasing power: $64,447).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Middleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Middleton grew 16.3% from $24.22/hr (2019) to $28.17/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.73/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 Middleton 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 Middleton
While the hourly rate provides a solid foundation for income, part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $45,164 annually. This is a significant contrast to full-time counterparts, who benefit from larger annual earnings but may sacrifice schedule flexibility. Per diem positions often allow for billing rates between $32-$48 per hour, with contracts for travel PTAs varying widely based on demand, sometimes reaching $1,800 per week. However, specialty roles in skilled nursing facilities may face challenges due to the effects of recent Medicare cuts, which have impacted reimbursement rates. It's crucial for PTAs in Middleton to weigh hourly wages against benefits packages—some may prefer lower hourly wages accompanied by health insurance, while others might prioritize higher hourly compensation without the benefits. Effective negotiation, especially in the context of local market conditions and employer types such as outpatient clinics or home health agencies, can further enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Middleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Middleton. 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 Middleton 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