Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in North Platte, NE: $28.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in North Platte, NE runs $28.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,769 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against North Platte's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,860 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For physical therapist assistants in North Platte, the estimated median hourly pay is $28.73, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77. This disparity reflects the local cost of living and employment dynamics in the area. A PTA's hourly earnings can be critical for those working part-time, such as those employed three days a week, who still benefit from flexible schedules across various settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy environments. Entry-level positions may start at around $22.03 per hour, while experienced therapists can command up to $35.49 hourly. Given North Platte's lower cost of living index, which stands at 91.5 compared to the national average of 100, these figures can facilitate a comfortable life, especially for per diem workers who may earn between $32 and $48 per hour based on the specific demands of their roles.
About the North Platte Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.03 | $176.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.29 | $210.31 |
| Median (P50) | $28.73 | $229.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.27 | $258.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.49 | $283.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Platte
Based on $28.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.73/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Platte, NE can expect to earn approximately $59,766 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,480. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Platte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Platte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,149.34 | $4,980 | $59,766 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $689.61 | $2,988 | $35,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $459.74 | $1,992 | $23,906 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (North Platte) | $28.73 |
| 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 North Platte, NE earn a median of $59,769 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.92% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.00% below the Nebraska state average of $64,268.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.73/hr = $35,860/year (purchasing power: $39,191).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,766/year (purchasing power: $65,318).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in North Platte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in North Platte grew 16.3% from $24.05/hr (2019) to $27.97/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.52/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 North Platte 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 North Platte
While part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours a week can expect a stable income, their annual earnings will significantly differ from full-time counterparts. The employment climate in North Platte offers unique opportunities for per diem physical therapist assistant roles, with agency work available that can fetch between $1,200 and $1,800 per week depending on travel requirements and workload. This gig-based earning potential often indicates a shift in compensation structures within skilled nursing facilities, particularly following the 15% Medicare reduction enacted in 2022 which has altered pay rates. Hourly rates can vary across employer types; outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to pay competitively, while home health agencies and school therapy programs may offer different rates. Many PTAs weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and consistent hours versus pursuing higher pay without benefits, making thoughtful negotiation essential in maximizing their compensation.
More salary data for North Platte, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in North Platte in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in North Platte?
Are physical therapist assistants in North Platte paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in North Platte?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in North Platte?
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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 North Platte. 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 North Platte 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