Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Milford, CT: $36.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Milford, CT runs $36.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,907 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Milford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,539 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Milford, Connecticut, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $36.49, which is notably higher than the national median of $33.77. This competitive pay level provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers, who typically engage in flexible arrangements across various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in this area spans from $26.35 at the entry-level to $49.18 for more experienced practitioners, indicating a promising potential for growth as one gains experience and specialties. These figures represent projected earnings for 2026, derived from annual salary data, reflecting the expected demand for qualified PTAs in Milford.
About the Milford 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) | $26.35 | $210.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.31 | $258.47 |
| Median (P50) | $36.49 | $291.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.99 | $343.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.18 | $393.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milford
Based on $36.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.49/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milford, CT can expect to earn approximately $75,899 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,788. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Milford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,459.59 | $6,325 | $75,899 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $875.75 | $3,795 | $45,539 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $583.84 | $2,530 | $30,359 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Milford) | $36.49 |
| 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 Milford, CT earn a median of $75,907 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.06% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.20% below the Connecticut state average of $77,615.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.49/hr = $45,539/year (purchasing power: $42,205).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,899/year (purchasing power: $70,342).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Milford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Milford grew 16.3% from $30.54/hr (2019) to $35.52/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.49/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 Milford 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 Milford
For physical therapist assistants working part-time, a weekly schedule of three days equates to around 24 hours total, translating into significant take-home earnings that can differ markedly from full-time roles. This flexibility allows part-time PTAs to balance other commitments while still earning competitive pay. Per diem opportunities, particularly in agency or locum positions, typically range from $32 to $48 hourly, with travel contracts often fetching $1,200 to $1,800 per week. However, the 15% cut to Medicare reimbursement for PTA services, effective in 2022, has impacted pay levels, especially in skilled nursing facilities. Differences in hourly rates can also be observed across various employer types in Milford, with outpatient orthopedic clinics sometimes offering more favorable pay compared to hospitals or pediatric clinics. As health benefits and job security often weigh against slightly higher pay rates in contract work, it's essential for PTAs in the region to consider both their financial needs and career goals when negotiating their pay.
More salary data for Milford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Milford in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Milford?
Are physical therapist assistants in Milford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Milford?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Milford?
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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 Milford. 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 Milford 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