Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in West Haven, CT: $36.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in West Haven, CT runs $36.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,876 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against West Haven's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,526 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Haven, CT, the expected median hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant is set at $36.48. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $33.77, highlighting the competitive pay landscape within the state. For part-time workers, those typically engaged in three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a substantial income, depending on total weekly hours worked. Per-diem professionals also benefit from flexible schedules, often finding roles across diverse settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and inpatient rehabilitation units. The hourly pay range for physical therapist assistants in West Haven spans from $26.32 for entry-level positions to about $47.70 for those at the higher end of the pay scale, reflecting the varying experience and responsibilities that come with the role.
About the West Haven 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) | $26.32 | $210.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.28 | $258.22 |
| Median (P50) | $36.48 | $291.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.22 | $337.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.70 | $381.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Haven
Based on $36.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.48/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Haven, CT can expect to earn approximately $75,877 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,775. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Haven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Haven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,459.18 | $6,323 | $75,877 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $875.51 | $3,794 | $45,526 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $583.67 | $2,529 | $30,351 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (West Haven) | $36.48 |
| 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 West Haven, CT earn a median of $75,876 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.01% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.30% below the Connecticut state average of $77,663.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.48/hr = $45,526/year (purchasing power: $42,193).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,877/year (purchasing power: $70,322).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in West Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in West Haven grew 16.3% from $30.53/hr (2019) to $35.51/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.48/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 West Haven 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 West Haven
When considering a part-time schedule, a physical therapist assistant working approximately 24 hours per week in West Haven could expect to take home about $45,000 annually, compared to full-time earnings that would significantly exceed that figure. Entering the realm of per-diem roles, individuals in this profession might encounter a billing range of $32 to $48 hourly, while travel PTA contracts can yield weekly earnings of $1,200 to $1,800. However, it's essential to note that skilled nursing facility (SNF) agencies may offer diminished pay rates due to the ongoing impact of the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022. The hourly pay can differ widely among various employers in West Haven, including outpatient orthopedic clinics, home health agencies, and hospital settings, so professionals must weigh the trade-off between hourly pay and benefits. Negotiating for higher hourly rates in exchange for fewer benefits is a common consideration, especially in a city where compensation varies across different workplace environments.
More salary data for West Haven, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in West Haven in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in West Haven?
Are physical therapist assistants in West Haven paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in West Haven?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in West Haven?
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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 West Haven. 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 West Haven 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