Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Detroit, MI: $30.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Detroit, MI runs $30.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,919 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Detroit's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,360 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Detroit, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $30.74. This figure is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.77, indicating that PTAs in Michigan might experience different earning potentials compared to their counterparts across the United States. For those employed part-time or working per-diem shifts, the hourly rate can be particularly significant, as physical therapist assistants typically work in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. With an hourly range starting from $14.43 for entry-level positions and going up to $39.76 for the highest earners, the profession offers a structured income correlated with experience and environment. These insights are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, making them relevant for individuals considering a career as a PTA in Detroit.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.43 | $115.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.42 | $155.33 |
| Median (P50) | $30.74 | $245.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.00 | $256.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.76 | $318.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Detroit
Based on $30.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.74/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Detroit, MI can expect to earn approximately $63,933 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,884. With a cost-of-living index of 100.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Detroit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Detroit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,229.47 | $5,328 | $63,933 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $737.68 | $3,197 | $38,360 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $491.79 | $2,131 | $25,573 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Detroit) | $30.74 |
| 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 Detroit, MI earn a median of $63,919 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.01% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.80% above the Michigan state average of $62,788.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.74/hr = $38,360/year (purchasing power: $38,246).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,933/year (purchasing power: $63,743).
CoL index: 100.298 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Detroit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Detroit grew 15.2% from $25.98/hr (2019) to $29.92/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.58/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 Detroit 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 Detroit
Part-time physical therapist assistants, who might work three days a week (approximately 24 hours), can expect to take home around $38,286 annually, a substantial difference compared to full-time earnings. In addition, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Detroit typically ranges between $32-$48 an hour, while PTA contracts in travel positions can yield impressive weekly pay from $1,200 to $1,800. However, the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut instituted in 2022 has placed strain on salaries, especially within skilled nursing facilities where many therapists are reliant on Medicare payments. Hourly rates are not uniform and can fluctuate based on the employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospitals, and pediatric clinics all have varying compensation strategies. It’s essential for job seekers in Detroit to weigh the pros and cons of accepting lower hourly wages that include health insurance versus higher pay that lacks benefits. Engaging in open discussions during the hiring process with potential employers is crucial, and seeking feedback from other PTAs can provide insight into negotiating optimal pay conditions tailored to individual career goals.
More salary data for Detroit, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Detroit in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Detroit?
Are physical therapist assistants in Detroit paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Detroit?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Detroit?
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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 Detroit. 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