Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Killeen, TX: $37.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Killeen, TX runs $37.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,219 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Killeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.1, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,937 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Killeen, Texas, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $37.61, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This favorable hourly pay allows those working part-time—say three days a week—to optimize their earnings while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. Typical employment settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health, provide a diverse array of opportunities for PTAs to leverage this pay structure effectively. Within a range from $24.18 for entry-level positions to $49.15 for highly experienced professionals, the hourly rate reflects both the local job market's demand and the expertise required. The data is based on projections for 2026 from 2025 BLS OEWS figures, indicating a stable financial outlook for those entering the field in Killeen.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.18 | $193.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.26 | $250.09 |
| Median (P50) | $37.61 | $300.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.02 | $328.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.15 | $393.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Killeen
Based on $37.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.61/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Killeen, TX can expect to earn approximately $78,228 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,131. With a cost-of-living index of 91.13 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Killeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Killeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,504.38 | $6,519 | $78,228 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $902.63 | $3,911 | $46,937 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $601.75 | $2,608 | $31,291 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Killeen) | $37.61 |
| 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 Killeen, TX earn a median of $78,219 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.35% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.40% above the Texas state average of $77,907.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.61/hr = $46,937/year (purchasing power: $51,504).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,228/year (purchasing power: $85,840).
CoL index: 91.132 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Killeen grew 16.3% from $31.48/hr (2019) to $36.61/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.64/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 Killeen 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 Killeen
For part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can vary significantly compared to a full-time schedule, particularly depending on work settings. While traditional hourly employment can offer an earning potential that remains relatively steady, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Killeen hovers around $32-$48, though it's vital to note that travel PTA contracts range from $1,200-$1,800 weekly. Some PTAs may prefer the security of full-time positions with benefits over the potentially higher hourly wages from agency work, especially in light of the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022 that has impacted pay structures in settings like skilled nursing facilities. When negotiating pay, candidates should consider what each employer offers, such as benefits versus higher hourly rates, which can significantly influence earnings over time. Understanding the nuances of hourly compensation across various employer types will empower physical therapist assistants to make informed decisions as they navigate their careers in Killeen.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Killeen in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Killeen?
Are physical therapist assistants in Killeen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Killeen?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Killeen?
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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 Killeen. 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, 6-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