Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Nixa, MO: $29.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Nixa, MO runs $29.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,580 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Nixa's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,347 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Nixa, Missouri, physical therapist assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $29.12 in 2026. This figure is notably below the national median of $33.77, highlighting the regional pay disparity for this occupation. For those considering part-time roles, such as a typical schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a reasonable income while maintaining flexibility. Per-diem workers, often found in settings like outpatient clinics and home health visits, might encounter a range between $21.47 and $35.89 an hour, depending on their experience and the specific demands of their role. The salary for entry-level positions starts around $21.47, while experienced PTAs in specialized settings may earn up to $35.89 per hour, revealing a clear path for salary progression within the field based on experience and skill.
About the Nixa 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) | $21.47 | $171.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.94 | $207.51 |
| Median (P50) | $29.12 | $232.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.65 | $261.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.89 | $287.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nixa
Based on $29.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.12/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nixa, MO can expect to earn approximately $60,578 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,949. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nixa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nixa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,164.96 | $5,048 | $60,578 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $698.97 | $3,029 | $36,347 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.98 | $2,019 | $24,231 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Nixa) | $29.12 |
| 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 Nixa, MO earn a median of $60,580 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.76% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.20% below the Missouri state average of $63,236.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.12/hr = $36,347/year (purchasing power: $40,566).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,578/year (purchasing power: $67,609).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Nixa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Nixa grew 16.3% from $24.37/hr (2019) to $28.35/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.92/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 Nixa 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 Nixa
The earning potential varies significantly based on the employment setting for physical therapist assistants in Nixa. A part-time PTA working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate could expect to take home approximately $45,000 annually, which is substantially less than full-time counterparts. For those in per-diem positions, the compensation can range from about $32 to $48 an hour, with travel contracts offering even higher weekly wages of $1,200 to $1,800, thus providing options for maximizing income. However, as many skilled nursing facilities have been impacted by the recent Medicare cuts, the hourly pay for agency PTAs may have dropped. Facilities such as outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer competitive rates, yet PTAs may trade higher hourly wages for job security and benefits in larger organizations. To navigate salary negotiations, PTAs should research local pay trends and be prepared to discuss specific contributions they can make to the practice or facility, positioning themselves for favorable pay arrangements based on their qualifications and the needs of the employer in Nixa, MO.
More salary data for Nixa, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Nixa in 2026?
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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 Nixa. 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 Nixa 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