Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Hickory, NC: $31.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Hickory, NC runs $31.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,542 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Hickory's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.5, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,321 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hickory, North Carolina, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to average $31.51 in 2026. This rate is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $33.77, indicating a modest wage level for local practitioners in this field. For part-time workers, such as those covering shifts three days a week, this hourly pay translates to approximately $1,000 per week, making it a viable option for those seeking flexibility. The pay range varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $27.00 per hour, while experienced professionals at the 90th percentile can command up to $38.29. This data comes from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflects the earning potential in diverse settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and rehabilitation hospitals.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.00 | $215.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.13 | $241.05 |
| Median (P50) | $31.51 | $252.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.99 | $287.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.29 | $306.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hickory
Based on $31.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.51/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hickory, NC can expect to earn approximately $65,535 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,809. With a cost-of-living index of 88.49 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hickory.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hickory
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,260.29 | $5,461 | $65,535 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $756.17 | $3,277 | $39,321 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $504.12 | $2,185 | $26,214 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Hickory) | $31.51 |
| 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 Hickory, NC earn a median of $65,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.70% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.30% below the North Carolina state average of $66,405.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.51/hr = $39,321/year (purchasing power: $44,438).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,535/year (purchasing power: $74,063).
CoL index: 88.486 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+6.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hickory (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Hickory grew 0.7% from $30.46/hr (2019) to $30.67/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.37/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 Hickory 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 Hickory
Analyzing the earnings potential for physical therapist assistants in Hickory reveals various opportunities and challenges. A PTA working a typical part-time schedule of 24 hours per week could see annual earnings of around $49,000, which offers a solid income compared to many other local jobs. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay can vary significantly, with rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, particularly for agency or contract work that may demand a flexible schedule, leading to higher earnings per week. However, some positions in skilled nursing facilities might offer lower hourly rates due to declining reimbursement rates following the Medicare cuts initiated in 2022. Hourly compensation varies widely among employers, influenced by the type of work environment, whether it's a bustling outpatient clinic or a school therapy program. It's essential for PTAs negotiating their pay to consider the balance between hourly rates and the value of benefits such as health insurance, as lower wages might be offset by stability and support in certain roles.
More salary data for Hickory, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Hickory in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Hickory?
Are physical therapist assistants in Hickory paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Hickory?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hickory?
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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 Hickory. 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