Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Groton, CT: $36.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Groton, CT runs $36.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,253 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Groton's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,155 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Groton, Connecticut, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is $36.18, reflecting a competitive rate compared to the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate caters to various work arrangements for PTAs, including part-time (about three days a week) and per diem positions across settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. With a range from $24.61 for entry-level positions to $46.74 for top earners, Groton's pay reflects the estimated annual salary data which shows a robust demand for skilled professionals in this field. Such compensation may also appeal to those considering the PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways, enhancing their career prospects while working under physical therapists as mandated by state laws.
About the Groton 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) | $24.61 | $196.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.04 | $264.30 |
| Median (P50) | $36.18 | $289.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.73 | $333.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.74 | $373.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Groton
Based on $36.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.18/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Groton, CT can expect to earn approximately $75,258 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,418. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Groton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Groton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,447.26 | $6,271 | $75,258 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $868.36 | $3,763 | $45,155 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $578.90 | $2,509 | $30,103 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Groton) | $36.18 |
| 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 Groton, CT earn a median of $75,253 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.13% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.10% below the Connecticut state average of $77,660.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.18/hr = $45,155/year (purchasing power: $41,848).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,258/year (purchasing power: $69,747).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Groton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Groton grew 16.3% from $30.28/hr (2019) to $35.22/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.17/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 Groton 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 Groton
Part-time physical therapist assistants in Groton, working about 24 hours a week, can expect to earn significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, with their total take-home reflecting a lower income but often resulting in balanced work-life commitments. Per diem roles offer flexibility, with pay ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, particularly in agency and travel assignments that might yield weekly earnings between $1,200 and $1,800. However, compensation may vary dramatically across employer types; outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer more competitive rates, while skilled nursing facilities may pay lower dues due to Medicare cuts resulting from the 15% reduction in reimbursement for PTA services effective in 2022. Many PTAs must navigate health insurance considerations, often trading off hourly pay for benefits. For job seekers, understanding the nuances of local hourly pay dynamics and being prepared to negotiate can maximize earnings as they advance in their careers in Groton’s healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Groton, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Groton in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Groton?
Are physical therapist assistants in Groton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Groton?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Groton?
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 Groton. 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 Groton 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