Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Pelham, AL: $28.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Pelham, AL runs $28.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,360 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Pelham's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,013 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pelham, Alabama, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $28.06 in 2026, notably lower than the national median of $33.77 per hour. This disparity may impact part-time workers, such as those who opt to work three days a week, as they will likely earn less than their counterparts across the country. The hourly pay range for physical therapist assistants in the area spans from $21.37 for entry-level positions to $34.31 for the top earners, highlighting variations within common work environments like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants often work with a flexible approach to their schedules, which can make this hourly rate essential for their financial planning, especially if sudden changes in hours occur.
About the Pelham Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.37 | $170.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.49 | $203.90 |
| Median (P50) | $28.06 | $224.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.37 | $250.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.31 | $274.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pelham
Based on $28.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.06/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pelham, AL can expect to earn approximately $58,356 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,667. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pelham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pelham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,122.22 | $4,863 | $58,356 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $673.33 | $2,918 | $35,013 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $448.89 | $1,945 | $23,342 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Pelham) | $28.06 |
| 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 Pelham, AL earn a median of $58,360 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.92% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $63,092.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.06/hr = $35,013/year (purchasing power: $39,833).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,356/year (purchasing power: $66,389).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pelham grew 16.3% from $23.48/hr (2019) to $27.31/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.82/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 Pelham 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 Pelham
The earning potential significantly varies for part-time physical therapist assistants compared to full-time practitioners. For example, a 3-day workweek (approximately 24 hours) leads to an annual income of about $43,988—far lower than what full-time workers might earn. In contrast, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Pelham can often range from $32 to $48 an hour, offering better immediate compensation but without guaranteed hours. Moreover, travel contracts generally yield $1,200 to $1,800 per week, which can further incentivize PTAs to consider agency work despite the pressure from Medicare reimbursement cuts affecting skilled nursing facilities. Hourly rates also differ across various employment types, with private outpatient clinics potentially offering more competitive pay compared to hospitals or schools, where the benefits might weigh greatly in one’s employment decision. It’s critical for physical therapist assistants in Pelham to assess their options carefully, as negotiating for higher hourly wages might mean sacrificing benefits like health insurance, depending on the employer.
More salary data for Pelham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Pelham in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Pelham?
Are physical therapist assistants in Pelham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Pelham?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pelham?
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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 Pelham. 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 Pelham 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