Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Durango, CO: $30.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Durango, CO runs $30.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,704 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Durango's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,629 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Durango, Colorado, physical therapist assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $30.15, which falls below the national median of $33.77. This pay scale affects various employment models, including part-time positions, where a PTA working three days a week may encounter differing financial landscapes depending on their employer and location. From outpatient therapy clinics to skilled nursing facilities, entry-level PTAs might see starting rates around $23.63, while those in more specialized or senior roles could earn as much as $37.67 per hour. These figures indicate the potential for variation, driven by factors such as experience, employer type, and demand for services within the community.
About the Durango 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) | $23.63 | $189.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.87 | $222.97 |
| Median (P50) | $30.15 | $241.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.01 | $264.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.67 | $301.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durango
Based on $30.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.15/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durango, CO can expect to earn approximately $62,715 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,182. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Durango.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durango
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,206.05 | $5,226 | $62,715 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $723.63 | $3,136 | $37,629 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.42 | $2,090 | $25,086 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Durango) | $30.15 |
| 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 Durango, CO earn a median of $62,704 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.74% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $66,920.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.15/hr = $37,629/year (purchasing power: $35,837).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,715/year (purchasing power: $59,728).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Durango grew 16.3% from $25.23/hr (2019) to $29.35/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.97/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 Durango 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 Durango
When considering part-time earning potential, a physical therapist assistant in Durango working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual take-home somewhat less stable than their full-time counterparts, translating to around $37,576 per year, assuming they consistently receive the median hourly rate. For those considering per diem roles, which typically offer pay rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, there are also promising opportunities, particularly for agency work or travel contracts that can yield between $1,200 and $1,800 per week. However, since the cut to Medicare reimbursement rates initiated in 2022 has adversely impacted pay in many skilled nursing facilities, PTAs might find their hourly earnings impacted in those settings. Differences in hourly rates also emerge across employer types in Durango, affecting negotiations. PTAs may choose positions that come with health benefits despite lower hourly rates, balancing immediate pay against long-term health security. This nuanced approach to compensation highlights the need for strong negotiation skills in an ever-evolving field that adheres to CMS regulations regarding supervision and billing.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Durango in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Durango?
Are physical therapist assistants in Durango paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Durango?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Durango?
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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 Durango. 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 Durango 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