Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Stamford, CT: $37.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Stamford, CT runs $37.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,221 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Stamford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,334 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Stamford, Connecticut can anticipate a median hourly pay of $37.13, notably higher than the national median of $33.77. This rate is particularly advantageous for those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home healthcare. For example, a PTA working three days a week could earn approximately $444 weekly, offering flexibility and adaptability in work-life balance. Entry-level positions may start around $26.19 per hour, while experienced professionals and top earners can command up to $49.46 per hour, highlighting a competitive spectrum within the profession. Hourly pay estimates derived from annual salary projections reveal the potential for lucrative opportunities within various settings, fostering the demand for skilled PTAs in Stamford's dynamic healthcare landscape.
About the Stamford 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) | $26.19 | $209.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.49 | $259.95 |
| Median (P50) | $37.13 | $297.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.33 | $346.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.46 | $395.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stamford
Based on $37.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.13/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stamford, CT can expect to earn approximately $77,223 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,552. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stamford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stamford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,485.06 | $6,435 | $77,223 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $891.04 | $3,861 | $46,334 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $594.03 | $2,574 | $30,889 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Stamford) | $37.13 |
| 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 Stamford, CT earn a median of $77,221 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.93% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.50% below the Connecticut state average of $77,609.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.13/hr = $46,334/year (purchasing power: $42,942).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,223/year (purchasing power: $71,569).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Stamford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Stamford grew 16.3% from $31.07/hr (2019) to $36.14/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.14/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 Stamford 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 Stamford
Shifting to a closer examination of part-time earnings, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week would yield an annual take-home of approximately $23,185, which can be supplemented with per diem work. Contractual positions in areas like travel PTA contracts can increase earning power significantly, with rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour. However, recent policy changes, such as the 15% Medicare cut effective in 2022, have introduced financial constraints in skilled nursing facilities, leading to a more cautious approach to staffing and pay structures. Employers vary widely in compensation, with outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offering more competitive rates compared to hospital settings. This variance provides PTAs with an important decision-making aspect regarding benefits versus hourly wages; many may opt for lower hourly rates that include health insurance. Negotiating your hourly rate can be advantageous, particularly by highlighting experience and flexibility, helping professionals in Stamford maximize their earning potential within the realm of physical therapy assistance.
More salary data for Stamford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Stamford in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Stamford?
Are physical therapist assistants in Stamford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Stamford?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Stamford?
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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 Stamford. 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 Stamford 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