Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Norton Shores, MI: $30.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Norton Shores, MI runs $30.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,128 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Norton Shores's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,475 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norton Shores, Michigan, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $30.83, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33.77. This hourly rate offers varied opportunities for those seeking part-time positions or per-diem work, allowing practitioners to engage in settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For professionals working three days a week, with approximately 24 hours of scheduled work, the pay range allows for flexibility, ranging from entry-level pay of $22.99 to top earners making up to $37.23 per hour. These figures reflect estimated hourly rates derived from projected annual salary data, and they provide a benchmark for physical therapist assistants considering a career in the Norton Shores area.
About the Norton Shores Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.99 | $183.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.95 | $215.57 |
| Median (P50) | $30.83 | $246.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.09 | $272.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.23 | $297.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norton Shores
Based on $30.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.83/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norton Shores, MI can expect to earn approximately $64,125 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,995. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norton Shores.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norton Shores
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,233.17 | $5,344 | $64,125 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $739.90 | $3,206 | $38,475 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $493.27 | $2,137 | $25,650 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Norton Shores) | $30.83 |
| 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 Norton Shores, MI earn a median of $64,128 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.71% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.20% above the Michigan state average of $62,748.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.83/hr = $38,475/year (purchasing power: $41,282).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,125/year (purchasing power: $68,804).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Norton Shores (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Norton Shores grew 16.3% from $25.80/hr (2019) to $30.01/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.67/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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores
Analyzing the part-time earning potential reveals that a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours per week could expect to make around $38,332 annually. In contrast, full-time professionals might see their earnings increase significantly if they opt for 40 hours a week. For per-diem work, pay for physical therapist assistants in Norton Shores typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, especially for contract positions, with travel PTAs earning weekly contracts anywhere between $1,200 and $1,800. It's noteworthy that agency work at skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates following the 15% Medicare cut that took effect in 2022, impacting pay structures in heavily Medicare-reliant settings. Hourly wages can fluctuate based on employer types, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, home health agencies, or pediatric therapy programs. As professionals navigate salary negotiations, weighing the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly rates without benefits is crucial in making informed decisions about their career paths in Norton Shores, MI.
More salary data for Norton Shores, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Norton Shores in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Norton Shores?
Are physical therapist assistants in Norton Shores paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Norton Shores?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Norton Shores?
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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 Norton Shores. 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 Norton Shores 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