Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $31.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Aurora, CO runs $31.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,630 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,372 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Colorado, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $31.55 in 2026, which trails slightly behind the national hourly median of $33.77. This rate can be quite favorable, especially for those working part-time or in per-diem capacities, as it allows for flexible schedules and a variety of workplace settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy sites. For entry-level physical therapist assistants, the hourly rates start at approximately $21.24, while experienced professionals can earn up to $42.80, reflecting the wide range of skills and responsibilities in this profession. These figures are derived from estimated annual salaries, contextualizing the significance of hourly compensation for many in this field.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.24 | $169.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.90 | $215.24 |
| Median (P50) | $31.55 | $252.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.01 | $296.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.80 | $342.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $31.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.55/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $65,621 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,858. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,261.94 | $5,468 | $65,621 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $757.16 | $3,281 | $39,372 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $504.77 | $2,187 | $26,248 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Aurora) | $31.55 |
| 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 Aurora, CO earn a median of $65,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.57% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.90% below the Colorado state average of $66,901.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.55/hr = $39,372/year (purchasing power: $37,498).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,621/year (purchasing power: $62,496).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Aurora grew 16.3% from $26.40/hr (2019) to $30.71/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.41/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 Aurora 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 Aurora
When considering part-time work, a physical therapist assistant in Aurora averaging three days a week—approximately 24 hours—can earn around $39,618 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem roles are also an option, with many PTAs billing between $32 and $48 per hour, providing a lucrative avenue for those who prefer variable schedules. However, it's essential to note the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that occurred in 2022, particularly affecting pay in skilled nursing facilities, where rates have adjusted in response. Rates can significantly differ among various employers; outpatient clinics often retain competitive compensation, while home health and pediatric clinics may offer more flexibility yet less hourly pay. For many physical therapist assistants, the decision between positions with higher hourly wages and those that include benefits necessitates careful consideration, especially in a market increasingly affected by reimbursement fluctuations. Negotiating hourly pay effectively in Aurora can also hinge on demonstrating experience and skill level, which can justify higher compensation levels amidst varying employer needs.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Aurora in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Aurora?
Are physical therapist assistants in Aurora paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Aurora?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Aurora?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Aurora. 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 Aurora 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