Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Lafayette, IN: $30.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Lafayette, IN runs $30.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,723 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,231 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lafayette, Indiana, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly pay of $30.63. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33.77 per hour, highlighting a potentially competitive wage environment for the role in this region. For those considering positions in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or offering home health services, this hourly rate translates well across various work schedules. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the earnings can still provide a comfortable living, while per-diem positions offer competitive rates and appeal to those looking for flexible work arrangements. The hourly pay ranges from $17.64 for entry-level positions to $37.89 for top earners, suggesting opportunities for growth and advancement in this field based on experience and employer types.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.64 | $141.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.76 | $174.07 |
| Median (P50) | $30.63 | $245.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.53 | $292.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.89 | $303.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $30.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.63/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, IN can expect to earn approximately $63,719 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,761. With a cost-of-living index of 93.43 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,225.36 | $5,310 | $63,719 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $735.22 | $3,186 | $38,231 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.15 | $2,124 | $25,488 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Lafayette) | $30.63 |
| 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 Lafayette, IN earn a median of $63,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.29% lower than the national median of $70,247.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.63/hr = $38,231/year (purchasing power: $40,920).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,719/year (purchasing power: $68,200).
CoL index: 93.43 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lafayette grew 8.4% from $27.50/hr (2019) to $29.82/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.47/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Considering part-time work as a physical therapist assistant in Lafayette, earning potential is significant but varies greatly depending on the hours and type of employment. A professional working 24 hours per week can expect to take home approximately $38,000 annually, which may suit those balancing other commitments or pursuing further education. For per-diem physical therapist assistants, pay typically falls between $32 and $48 per hour, opening avenues for higher earnings alongside flexible scheduling. Interestingly, various employer types offer divergent hourly rates; outpatient orthopedic clinics might provide lower rates compared to specialized facilities like skilled nursing homes, where the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut in 2022 has compressed pay structures. Many professionals face a trade-off between higher hourly pay without benefits and stable income with health insurance, making negotiation and understanding the specifics of employment packages essential when seeking work in Lafayette.
More salary data for Lafayette, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Lafayette?
Are physical therapist assistants in Lafayette paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Lafayette?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lafayette?
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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 Lafayette. 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