Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Tega Cay, SC: $29.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Tega Cay, SC runs $29.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,914 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Tega Cay's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,552 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tega Cay, the projected physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $29.29, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77. This wage is particularly relevant for part-time PTAs who often work about three days a week in diverse settings, including outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy spaces. For many professionals, this hourly rate provides a stable income, translating to approximately $22.16 at the lower end of the scale for entry-level positions, while experienced PTAs may earn up to $35.68 per hour. The projected salary range reflects the variability of experience and the specific type of facility one is employed in, highlighting that there are indeed significant differences in compensation based on one's employer.
About the Tega Cay Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.16 | $177.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.51 | $212.12 |
| Median (P50) | $29.29 | $234.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.64 | $261.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.68 | $285.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tega Cay
Based on $29.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.29/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tega Cay, SC can expect to earn approximately $60,920 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,146. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tega Cay.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tega Cay
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,171.53 | $5,077 | $60,920 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $702.92 | $3,046 | $36,552 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.61 | $2,031 | $24,368 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Tega Cay) | $29.29 |
| 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 Tega Cay, SC earn a median of $60,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.29% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.70% below the South Carolina state average of $65,995.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.29/hr = $36,552/year (purchasing power: $39,947).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,920/year (purchasing power: $66,579).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tega Cay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tega Cay grew 16.3% from $24.51/hr (2019) to $28.51/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.09/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 Tega Cay 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 Tega Cay
For a physical therapist assistant working part-time in Tega Cay, taking home pay can be quite different when compared to a full-time position. A PTA working 24 hours a week at the hourly rate would earn about $43,855 annually versus a full-time employee who might accrue closer to $61,914. The dynamics shift for per diem physical therapist assistants, who can expect to bill hourly rates ranging between $32 to $48, depending on their bargaining power and specific contracts. Travel contracts for PTAs can also yield substantial earnings, with weekly pay reaching between $1,200 and $1,800, especially during peak demand periods. However, the effects of the 15% Medicare cut introduced in 2022 have led to reduced reimbursement rates in skilled nursing facilities, which in turn has pressured PTA compensation across these settings. Hourly rates can differ significantly based on the type of employer, forcing many assistants to weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates with health insurance coverage against the higher pay, but with fewer benefits, typically found in agency work. For those negotiating their pay in Tega Cay, it's advisable to highlight specialized skills or certifications that may justify higher hourly rates, particularly as the industry continues to evolve in response to economic and regulatory challenges.
More salary data for Tega Cay, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tega Cay in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Tega Cay?
Are physical therapist assistants in Tega Cay paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Tega Cay?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Tega Cay?
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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 Tega Cay. 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 Tega Cay 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