Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Waterbury, CT: $36.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Waterbury, CT runs $36.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,544 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Waterbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.8, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,924 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waterbury, Connecticut, physical therapist assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $36.80, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate offers an attractive opportunity for part-time workers, who might typically schedule three days a week and still earn a competitive wage in outpatient settings, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and rehabilitation units. For entry-level PTAs, starting hourly pay can begin around $31.20, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $40.04, reflecting their expertise and demand in the community. As these hourly figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, they provide a reliable benchmark for those considering this career path in Waterbury.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.20 | $249.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.96 | $263.65 |
| Median (P50) | $36.80 | $294.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.63 | $309.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.04 | $320.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterbury
Based on $36.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.80/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterbury, CT can expect to earn approximately $76,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,157. With a cost-of-living index of 99.78 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,471.92 | $6,378 | $76,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $883.15 | $3,827 | $45,924 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $588.77 | $2,551 | $30,616 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Waterbury) | $36.80 |
| 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 Waterbury, CT earn a median of $76,544 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.96% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.40% below the Connecticut state average of $77,631.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.80/hr = $45,924/year (purchasing power: $46,026).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,540/year (purchasing power: $76,710).
CoL index: 99.778 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Waterbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Waterbury grew 7.3% from $33.39/hr (2019) to $35.82/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.80/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 Waterbury 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 Waterbury
For those working part-time, a 24-hour work week translates to an annual income of approximately $46,656, maintaining a decent living standard in Waterbury, where the cost of living falls below the national average. Interestingly, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Waterbury typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, allowing for flexibility and potentially higher earnings, though travel PTA contracts can significantly increase earnings, sometimes reaching $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. It's important to note how hourly rates differ across settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospital environments. While some positions might offer lower hourly wages, they come with benefits such as health insurance, which can be a significant consideration for PTAs. When negotiating pay, emphasizing specialized training or prior experience can help secure favorable terms, especially in a market influenced by industry changes such as the recent Medicare reimbursement adjustments.
More salary data for Waterbury, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Waterbury in 2026?
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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 Waterbury. 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