Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Denver, CO: $32.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Denver, CO runs $32.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,103 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Denver's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.8, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,257 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Denver, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $32.26 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $33.77. This competitive hourly rate is relevant for both part-time professionals working three days a week and those taking up per-diem roles across various settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals. Entry-level PTAs may begin at around $26.09 per hour, while experienced professionals could earn up to $46.48 hourly. The data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS projections, reflects a strong demand for physical therapist assistants in the area, suggesting ample opportunities for entry and advancement in the profession.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.09 | $208.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.98 | $239.81 |
| Median (P50) | $32.26 | $258.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.70 | $309.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.48 | $371.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denver
Based on $32.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.26/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denver, CO can expect to earn approximately $67,095 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,709. With a cost-of-living index of 105.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Denver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,290.29 | $5,591 | $67,095 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $774.17 | $3,355 | $40,257 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $516.12 | $2,237 | $26,838 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Denver) | $32.26 |
| 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 Denver, CO earn a median of $67,103 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.48% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% above the Colorado state average of $66,903.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.26/hr = $40,257/year (purchasing power: $38,057).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,095/year (purchasing power: $63,428).
CoL index: 105.782 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Denver grew 13.4% from $27.70/hr (2019) to $31.40/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.14/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 Denver 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 Denver
When evaluating the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants in Denver, those working a 24-hour week could take home significant annual income, but likely less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Denver typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, significantly benefiting flexible workers. However, market dynamics, especially the 15% Medicare cut to PTA-related services that took effect in 2022, have influenced compensation structures, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. Compensation can vary widely depending on employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often offering more competitive rates than home health agencies or school therapy programs. In considering their options, many PTAs face a decision between higher hourly pay without benefits or lower rates with health insurance and other perks. Negotiating effectively requires understanding the local market and valuing both pay and benefits appropriately.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Denver in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Denver?
Are physical therapist assistants in Denver paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Denver?
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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 Denver. 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, 7-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