Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Wausau, WI: $29.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Wausau, WI runs $29.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,895 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Wausau's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,129 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wausau, Wisconsin, the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) is projected to be $29.75 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77. This discrepancy reflects the local cost of living and market conditions. For part-time workers—such as those employed three days per week—this hourly rate translates to a viable income, especially in roles within outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. The hourly pay range spans from $26.07 at entry-level positions to as high as $38.35 for more experienced PTAs. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, illustrating the profession's potential earnings in Wausau.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.07 | $208.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.25 | $226.01 |
| Median (P50) | $29.75 | $238.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.72 | $285.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.35 | $306.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wausau
Based on $29.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.75/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wausau, WI can expect to earn approximately $61,881 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,701. With a cost-of-living index of 92.65 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wausau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wausau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,190.02 | $5,157 | $61,881 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.01 | $3,094 | $37,129 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.01 | $2,063 | $24,753 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Wausau) | $29.75 |
| 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 Wausau, WI earn a median of $61,895 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.90% below the Wisconsin state average of $65,084.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.75/hr = $37,129/year (purchasing power: $40,074).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,881/year (purchasing power: $66,790).
CoL index: 92.651 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Wausau grew 5.8% from $27.38/hr (2019) to $28.96/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.56/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 Wausau 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 Wausau
When considering part-time work, a PTA working 24 hours a week would earn about $36,200 annually, a significant drop compared to full-time counterparts. For those exploring per diem opportunities, pay rates typically range from $32 to $48 per hour, yet variations arise depending on the employer type—outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer competitive hourly rates compared to skilled nursing facilities that have faced reimbursement cuts due to Medicare changes. Despite some PTAs opting for higher-paying positions in agency work or locum tenens roles, they must weigh the benefits of healthcare coverage against slightly reduced hourly wages. Negotiating for better pay in Wausau often hinges on demonstrating relevant experience and specialized skills, particularly for PTAs seeking to transition into roles that may nurture their career advancement to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) pathway.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Wausau in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Wausau?
Are physical therapist assistants in Wausau paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Wausau?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wausau?
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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 Wausau. 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, 5-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