Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Florence, SC: $37.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Florence, SC runs $37.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,993 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.8, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,796 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Florence, South Carolina, the anticipated physical therapist assistant hourly pay for 2026 is $37.50, significantly higher than the national average of $33.77 per hour. This competitive wage offers an enticing opportunity for both full-time and part-time workers, particularly those engaging in varied settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. With an hourly range stretching from $16.66 for entry-level positions to $40.51 for experienced practitioners, the earning potential is substantial. Part-time workers, such as those practicing three days a week, or per-diem staff can find that this hourly rate not only provides a solid income stream but also flexibility that suits individual lifestyles and scheduling needs. This data stems from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections based on 2025 figures.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.66 | $133.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.71 | $229.70 |
| Median (P50) | $37.50 | $299.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.15 | $313.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.51 | $324.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence
Based on $37.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.50/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, SC can expect to earn approximately $77,993 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,996. With a cost-of-living index of 86.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,499.86 | $6,499 | $77,993 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $899.91 | $3,900 | $46,796 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $599.94 | $2,600 | $31,197 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Florence) | $37.50 |
| 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 Florence, SC earn a median of $77,993 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.03% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 18.10% above the South Carolina state average of $66,039.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.50/hr = $46,796/year (purchasing power: $53,928).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,993/year (purchasing power: $89,880).
CoL index: 86.774 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Florence grew 31.4% from $27.78/hr (2019) to $36.50/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.52/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 Florence 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 Florence
The earning potential for a physical therapist assistant working part-time in Florence can vary significantly. For example, a PTA working 24 hours a week, which equates to about three days, can expect an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts, yet still viable for many. In addition to steady hours, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Florence typically ranges from $32 to $48 hourly, with travel contracts providing even higher weekly earnings averaging between $1,200 and $1,800. However, those working in skilled nursing facilities have recently been affected by the 15% Medicare cut, impacting pay rates due to reduced reimbursement. Various employer types offer different rates; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics may provide higher wages compared to home health agencies or school therapy programs. As PTAs consider their options, many may prioritize stable benefits like health insurance over a higher hourly rate when accepting positions. Accordingly, negotiation for favorable pay and benefits is crucial in a transitioning job market, especially in Florence, SC.
More salary data for Florence, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Florence in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Florence?
Are physical therapist assistants in Florence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Florence?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Florence?
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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 Florence. 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