Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Norwich, CT: $37.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Norwich, CT runs $37.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,479 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Norwich's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.4, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,488 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Norwich, Connecticut, the physical therapist assistant (PTA) hourly pay is notably competitive, with a median rate of $37.25 per hour, which surpasses the national hourly median of $33.77. This rate is a significant factor for part-time and per-diem workers who often find themselves in various clinical settings, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. For a part-time employee working three days a week, this hourly wage can translate to a considerable income, especially considering the hourly range spans from $19.96 for entry-level positions to approximately $40.00 for the most experienced PTAs in the area. These figures are based on data sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS, projected to 2026, providing a clear snapshot of what physical therapist assistants can expect in terms of hourly compensation in Norwich.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.96 | $159.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.20 | $265.62 |
| Median (P50) | $37.25 | $298.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.24 | $305.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.00 | $320.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norwich
Based on $37.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.25/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norwich, CT can expect to earn approximately $77,480 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,700. With a cost-of-living index of 100.44 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norwich.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norwich
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,490.00 | $6,457 | $77,480 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $894.00 | $3,874 | $46,488 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $596.00 | $2,583 | $30,992 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Norwich) | $37.25 |
| 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 Norwich, CT earn a median of $77,479 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.30% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.20% below the Connecticut state average of $77,634.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.25/hr = $46,488/year (purchasing power: $46,282).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,480/year (purchasing power: $77,137).
CoL index: 100.445 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Norwich (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Norwich grew 14.5% from $31.66/hr (2019) to $36.26/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.27/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 Norwich 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 Norwich
Examining the part-time earning potential, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours weekly may anticipate an annual income considerably lower than their full-time counterparts, yet still viable, due to the flexibility and opportunities for balance. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Norwich typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts generating weekly payments between $1,200 and $1,800. However, it is crucial to recognize that the financial landscape has shifted since the 2022 Medicare cuts, affecting compensation in skilled nursing facilities, where pay rates have declined. Hourly rates can vastly differ depending on the employment type—outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer better hourly rates contrasted with pediatric clinics or school therapy roles that could provide more stable benefits. PTAs must weigh the advantage of high hourly wages against the stability of benefits like health insurance when considering job offers. Simple negotiation tactics, such as understanding the local market and being aware of the prevailing rates, can significantly enhance a PTA's earning experience in Norwich, CT.
More salary data for Norwich, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Norwich in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Norwich?
Are physical therapist assistants in Norwich paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Norwich?
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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 Norwich. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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