New York vs Watertown: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between New York, NY and Watertown, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Watertown, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,684▲ | $62,155 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.35▲ | $29.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,485▲ | $44,708 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,418▲ | $53,327 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,471▲ | $69,657 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,954▲ | $77,199 |
| Total Employed | 3,220▲ | 4 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between New York and Watertown is $15,529 (24.98%). New York's median is +10.59% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $45,469,Watertown spans $32,491. New York has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New York ($69,014 effective) pays 28.69% more than Watertown ($53,628 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,684/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,954)
- ✓Larger job market (3,220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,014)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in New York grew 21.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Watertown over the same period.
New York, NY
$62,450 (2019) → $75,620 (2025)
Watertown, NY
$51,060 (2019) → $60,503 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Watertown, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: New York or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Watertown?
Should I relocate from New York to Watertown as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in New York vs Watertown?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov