Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Parkersburg, WV: $28.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Parkersburg, WV runs $28.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,368 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Parkersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.1, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,616 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Parkersburg, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $28.54, which reflects a notable gap when compared to the national median of $33.77. This median wage offers a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers who typically contribute their skills in varied environments such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health settings, and pediatric therapy spaces. For those working part-time, primarily those able to commit to about three days a week, hourly pay can translate to valuable economic support while allowing flexibility in their schedules. The hourly compensation ranges from $22.07 for entry-level positions to $36.82 for experienced professionals, highlighting the potential for advancement in this career field, as presented by the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.07 | $176.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.94 | $191.49 |
| Median (P50) | $28.54 | $228.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.16 | $249.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.82 | $294.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Parkersburg
Based on $28.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.54/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Parkersburg, WV can expect to earn approximately $59,360 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,246. With a cost-of-living index of 87.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Parkersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Parkersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,141.54 | $4,947 | $59,360 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $684.92 | $2,968 | $35,616 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $456.61 | $1,979 | $23,744 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Parkersburg) | $28.54 |
| 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 Parkersburg, WV earn a median of $59,368 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.49% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.60% below the West Virginia state average of $61,585.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.54/hr = $35,616/year (purchasing power: $40,907).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,360/year (purchasing power: $68,178).
CoL index: 87.066 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Parkersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Parkersburg grew 21.6% from $22.85/hr (2019) to $27.78/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.32/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 Parkersburg 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 Parkersburg
Examining part-time earning potential, a 24-hour workweek translates to roughly $36,257 annually—a stark contrast to full-time figures and revealing the importance of structuring multiple jobs for financial viability. Per diem physical therapist assistants in Parkersburg see pay ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, with travel assignments offering lucrative contracts between $1,200 and $1,800 per week. However, agency positions, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, face challenges due to the 15% Medicare cut initiated in 2022, which has eroded premium pay. The hourly rates differ substantially across employer types; outpatient clinics may provide better rates, while hospital rehab and school therapy programs often offer stability but potentially lower pay. Ultimately, some physical therapist assistants weigh the trade-off of accepting lower hourly rates for enhanced health benefits. In negotiations, it’s advisable for PTAs to emphasize their unique skills and flexibility, thus capitalizing on their ability to adapt to diverse role requirements within the Parkersburg healthcare community.
More salary data for Parkersburg, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Parkersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Parkersburg?
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How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Parkersburg?
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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 Parkersburg. 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