Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Michigan City, IN: $25.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Michigan City, IN runs $25.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,392 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Michigan City's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,436 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For physical therapist assistants in Michigan City, Indiana, the projected median hourly rate stands at $25.19, significantly lower than the national median of $33.77. This disparity highlights the economic dynamics within the region, where these professionals typically work in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and home health environments. The hourly pay range starts at $16.45 for entry-level positions, climbing to $36.27 for top earners. This data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, illustrates the potential for part-time and per-diem workers to earn competitive wages within their flexible schedules. For those operating three days a week, the structured hours in settings like gyms or skilled nursing facilities can provide an attractive balance of work and personal life while still allowing for decent financial compensation.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.45 | $131.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.75 | $166.01 |
| Median (P50) | $25.19 | $201.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.60 | $252.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.27 | $290.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Michigan City
Based on $25.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.19/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Michigan City, IN can expect to earn approximately $52,394 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,227. With a cost-of-living index of 91.68 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Michigan City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Michigan City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,007.58 | $4,366 | $52,394 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $604.55 | $2,620 | $31,436 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $403.03 | $1,746 | $20,958 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Michigan City) | $25.19 |
| 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 Michigan City, IN earn a median of $52,392 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.42% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 17.80% below the Indiana state average of $63,738.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.19/hr = $31,436/year (purchasing power: $34,288).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,394/year (purchasing power: $57,147).
CoL index: 91.682 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Michigan City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Michigan City grew 16.3% from $21.08/hr (2019) to $24.52/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.88/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 Michigan City 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 Michigan City
Examining the working environment reveals a complex picture of earnings. For a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay reflects the reduction in hours compared to full-time roles, yet it still offers a viable earning potential. Many per-diem physical therapist assistants often bill $32 to $48 an hour, with additional travel PTA contracts typically grossing between $1,200 and $1,800 a week. However, pay rates across different employer types in Michigan City can vary significantly. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy environments each possess unique financial structures, which can affect hourly pay. Many PTAs must weigh the trade-off between higher pay without benefits and lower pay that includes health insurance. For those negotiating their hourly rates, it's essential to be aware of market standards, especially in a setting impacted by the recent 15% Medicare cut affecting reimbursements. Consequently, understanding this landscape can be vital for successful career advancement in the field.
More salary data for Michigan City, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Michigan City in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Michigan City?
Are physical therapist assistants in Michigan City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Michigan City?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Michigan City?
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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 Michigan City. 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, 2-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