Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Meriden, CT: $36.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Meriden, CT runs $36.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,645 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Meriden's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,988 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meriden, Connecticut, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $36.85, which surpasses the national median hourly rate of $33.77 by a notable margin. This higher rate enhances the prospects for part-time and per-diem workers in this profession. Many physical therapist assistants work in environments such as outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, or home health settings, taking advantage of flexible schedules. With an hourly range between $27.17 for entry-level positions to $46.68 for those at the top of their game, professionals in Meriden can expect their earnings to reflect both their experience and the settings they operate in. These figures are based on annual salary estimates and provide a clear picture of the financial landscape in which physical therapist assistants function.
About the Meriden 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) | $27.17 | $217.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.05 | $264.39 |
| Median (P50) | $36.85 | $294.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.63 | $333.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.68 | $373.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meriden
Based on $36.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.85/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meriden, CT can expect to earn approximately $76,646 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,219. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Meriden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meriden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,473.97 | $6,387 | $76,646 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $884.38 | $3,832 | $45,988 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $589.59 | $2,555 | $30,659 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Meriden) | $36.85 |
| 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 Meriden, CT earn a median of $76,645 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.11% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.30% below the Connecticut state average of $77,654.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.85/hr = $45,988/year (purchasing power: $42,621).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,646/year (purchasing power: $71,035).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Meriden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Meriden grew 16.3% from $30.84/hr (2019) to $35.87/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.86/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 Meriden 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 Meriden
Evaluating the financial viability of working part-time reveals intriguing possibilities for physical therapist assistants. A typical 3-day workweek at 24 hours translates into substantial earnings, with part-time workers bringing in approximately $43,528 annually. In the per-diem realm, the pay can vary significantly, with per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Meriden ranging from $32 to $48 an hour. Those seeking travel contracts may secure weekly rates between $1,200 and $1,800. However, the current reality in skilled nursing facility settings has seen rates drop due to the 15% Medicare cut taking effect in 2022, making this a critical consideration for job seekers. Hourly rates fluctuate based on the type of employer; for example, outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer more competitive wages than educational institutions or home health agencies. Understanding the trade-offs in benefits versus hourly rates becomes essential for those in this field, with some opting for lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance. For effective negotiations, being aware of local market rates and emphasizing relevant experience can yield better opportunities in this competitive profession.
More salary data for Meriden, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Meriden in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Meriden?
Are physical therapist assistants in Meriden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Meriden?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Meriden?
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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 Meriden. 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 Meriden 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