Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in East Hartford, CT: $36.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in East Hartford, CT runs $36.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,301 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against East Hartford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,783 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The physical therapist assistant hourly pay in East Hartford is projected to be $36.68 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $33.77. This impressive hourly rate not only reflects the demand for skilled professionals but also allows for flexible earning potential for part-time employees or those seeking per-diem work. For instance, a PTA working three days a week, accumulating about 24 hours, can create a viable income while still managing other commitments. The hourly pay range for PTAs in this area spans from $26.21 at the entry level to $47.74 for more experienced professionals, indicating that even new graduates have access to competitive wages in settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. These figures are derived from estimated annual salary data, highlighting the growing opportunities for physical therapist assistants in East Hartford.
About the East Hartford Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.21 | $209.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.26 | $258.06 |
| Median (P50) | $36.68 | $293.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.20 | $337.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.74 | $381.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Hartford
Based on $36.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.68/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Hartford, CT can expect to earn approximately $76,305 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,022. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Hartford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Hartford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,467.40 | $6,359 | $76,305 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $880.44 | $3,815 | $45,783 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $586.96 | $2,543 | $30,522 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (East Hartford) | $36.68 |
| 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 East Hartford, CT earn a median of $76,301 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.62% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.70% below the Connecticut state average of $77,620.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.68/hr = $45,783/year (purchasing power: $42,431).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,305/year (purchasing power: $70,718).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in East Hartford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in East Hartford grew 16.3% from $30.70/hr (2019) to $35.71/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.69/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 East Hartford 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 East Hartford
Considering part-time opportunities, a physical therapist assistant in East Hartford working 24 hours a week could potentially earn around $45,883 annually, which provides a reasonable standard of living, albeit less than a full-time position. For those exploring per diem or agency positions, the typical billing rates range from $32 to $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts offering lucrative weekly compensation between $1,200 to $1,800. However, PTAs working in skilled nursing facilities may face lower payouts due to the 15% Medicare cut that has affected reimbursement rates since 2022. The variation in hourly rates often depends on the type of employer, with outpatient orthopedic clinics, home health agencies, and pediatric settings frequently offering higher pay compared to schools or SNF environments. For PTAs, there exists a trade-off between seeking higher hourly pay without benefits and securing lower rates that include health coverage. Negotiating effectively is crucial; understanding the local job market and articulating your value can significantly impact compensation discussions in East Hartford, CT.
More salary data for East Hartford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in East Hartford in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in East Hartford?
Are physical therapist assistants in East Hartford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in East Hartford?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in East Hartford?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Connecticut
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 East Hartford. 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 East Hartford 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