Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Norman, OK: $30.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Norman, OK runs $30.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,294 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Norman's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,975 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norman, Oklahoma, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $30.43, which positions them below the national hourly median of $33.77. This compensation level impacts various work arrangements within the profession, including part-time positions typically held in outpatient facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals. For those working part-time, such as three days per week, the hourly rate can significantly influence take-home pay, while per-diem workers may see variations based on their specific assignments. The hourly wage for a physical therapist assistant can range from $19.92 at entry-level positions to $39.71 for experienced practitioners in the field, reflecting the range of skills and expertise required across different settings. It’s noteworthy that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, indicating the diverse earning potential in this profession across Norman's healthcare landscape.
About the Norman Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.92 | $159.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.24 | $217.95 |
| Median (P50) | $30.43 | $243.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.95 | $279.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.71 | $317.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norman
Based on $30.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.43/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norman, OK can expect to earn approximately $63,292 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,514. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,217.15 | $5,274 | $63,292 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $730.29 | $3,165 | $37,975 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.86 | $2,110 | $25,317 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Norman) | $30.43 |
| 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 Norman, OK earn a median of $63,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.90% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.40% above the Oklahoma state average of $62,420.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.43/hr = $37,975/year (purchasing power: $42,716).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,292/year (purchasing power: $71,194).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Norman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Norman grew 16.3% from $25.47/hr (2019) to $29.62/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.26/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 Norman 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 Norman
As physical therapist assistants contemplate their career paths, part-time work provides a unique financial outlook when compared to full-time opportunities. A PTA working 24 hours a week could anticipate annual earnings considerably less than the equivalent of full-time employment, which may hinder some from achieving their financial goals. The per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Norman typically ranges between $32 and $48 an hour, with travel contracts offering a lucrative pay structure of $1,200 to $1,800 per week; however, recent Medicare cuts have affected earnings in skilled nursing facilities, where premium pay rates have dropped since 2022. Hourly rates can vary significantly across employer types, with outpatient clinics generally offering better compensation than home health agencies or pediatric therapy roles. While some PTAs choose to accept lower hourly rates for supplementary benefits such as health insurance, others may negotiate higher rates without benefits. For those in the Norman area, understanding local job markets and crafting a thoughtful negotiation strategy can be key to maximizing their earning potential.
More salary data for Norman, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Norman in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Norman?
Are physical therapist assistants in Norman paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Norman?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Norman?
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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 Norman. 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 Norman 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