Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in New Bedford, MA: $38.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in New Bedford, MA runs $38.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,319 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against New Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,590 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in New Bedford, Massachusetts, can expect to see a median hourly rate of $38.13. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $33.77, reflecting the demand and cost of living in the area. For part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, this translates to a significant earning potential, making positions in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits attractive. Entry-level positions may begin at approximately $27.58 per hour, while experienced professionals in specialized settings can earn up to $49.29 per hour. These projections highlight how employment in the rehabilitation field can provide financial stability, particularly for those in per-diem roles, where flexible hours allow for diversified experiences across various therapeutic environments.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.58 | $220.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.87 | $270.96 |
| Median (P50) | $38.13 | $305.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.52 | $348.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.29 | $394.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bedford
Based on $38.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.13/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bedford, MA can expect to earn approximately $79,317 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,760. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,525.34 | $6,610 | $79,317 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $915.20 | $3,966 | $47,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $610.13 | $2,644 | $31,727 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (New Bedford) | $38.13 |
| 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 New Bedford, MA earn a median of $79,319 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.91% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $78,767.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.13/hr = $47,590/year (purchasing power: $43,862).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,317/year (purchasing power: $73,104).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in New Bedford grew 12.4% from $33.02/hr (2019) to $37.12/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.17/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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford
When examining part-time earnings potential, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week could generate around $47,500 annually, a figure that underscores the balance between work hours and financial needs. The per diem physical therapist assistant pay in New Bedford can range from $32 to $48 per hour, allowing workers to adapt to their schedules while potentially maximizing income. Travel PTA contracts further enhance earning capacity, with weekly pay ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. Different employer types significantly influence hourly rates, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often providing more competitive wages compared to skilled nursing facilities, which have seen rate declines due to recent Medicare cuts. Additionally, factors like health insurance benefits may lead some PTAs to accept lower hourly wages, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful negotiation when securing employment in the area. Understanding these dynamics is essential for those pursuing a career in physical therapy, especially as new graduates explore pathways from PTA to DPT.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in New Bedford in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in New Bedford?
Are physical therapist assistants in New Bedford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in New Bedford?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in New Bedford?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 New Bedford. 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 New Bedford 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