Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $31.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Independence, MO runs $31.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,513 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,706 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $31.01, a figure slightly below the national median of $33.77 per hour. This hourly rate creates an interesting scenario for those seeking part-time employment or per-diem roles, as positions often found in outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and pediatric therapy spaces typically structure around a six to eight-hour workday. For those working on a part-time basis—say three days a week—monthly take-home pay can be moderately appealing. The range for entry-level positions starts at around $22.18, while experienced practitioners can earn up to $42.92 per hour, presenting a valuable opportunity for physical therapist assistants in the region to establish their careers within various healthcare settings.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.18 | $177.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.36 | $218.86 |
| Median (P50) | $31.01 | $248.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.20 | $281.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.92 | $343.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $31.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.01/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $64,510 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,217. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,240.57 | $5,376 | $64,510 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $744.34 | $3,225 | $38,706 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $496.23 | $2,150 | $25,804 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Independence) | $31.01 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $64,513 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.16% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $63,186.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.01/hr = $38,706/year (purchasing power: $43,198).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,510/year (purchasing power: $71,997).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Independence grew 16.3% from $25.96/hr (2019) to $30.19/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.86/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 Independence 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 Independence
Considering the financial implications of part-time versus full-time work, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week at the $31.01 hourly rate would earn roughly $38,986 annually, while full-time employees could bring home significantly more. For per-diem roles, therapists might command rates between $32 and $48 per hour, with estimates indicating travel contracts could yield total weekly earnings of $1,200 to $1,800, although pay may vary depending on specific contracts and local healthcare demands. Furthermore, the economic landscape differs considerably across employer types in Independence. Outpatient clinics may offer higher hourly rates, while skilled nursing facilities, impacted by the 15% Medicare cut in 2022, may reduce pay rates in reaction to budget constraints. Understanding the trade-offs of lower hourly pay with benefits versus higher pay without them becomes crucial in making informed career decisions. Physical therapist assistants should negotiate offers wisely, keeping in mind local market nuances, particularly in a city like Independence where competitive rates can fluctuate based on sector and demand.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Independence?
Are physical therapist assistants in Independence paid hourly or salary?
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Related Pages
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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 Independence. 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 Independence 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