Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Bedford, NH: $34.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Bedford, NH runs $34.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,992 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,590 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bedford, New Hampshire, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is estimated to be $34.13, offering a competitive edge over the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate is particularly beneficial for part-time workers, such as those who may work three days a week, allowing a flexible work-life balance while still earning a substantial income. Per-diem physical therapist assistants who provide care in varying environments — from outpatient clinics to skilled nursing facilities — can expect their earnings to range significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $24.00 per hour, while top earners may reach up to $42.98. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary data and reflect the diverse settings where PTAs may find employment, highlighting the opportunities available in Bedford’s healthcare landscape.
About the Bedford Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.00 | $191.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.76 | $254.11 |
| Median (P50) | $34.13 | $273.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.83 | $310.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.98 | $343.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bedford
Based on $34.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.13/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bedford, NH can expect to earn approximately $70,984 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,952. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,365.08 | $5,915 | $70,984 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $819.05 | $3,549 | $42,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $546.03 | $2,366 | $28,394 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Bedford) | $34.13 |
| 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 Bedford, NH earn a median of $70,992 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 5.80% below the New Hampshire state average of $75,363.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.13/hr = $42,590/year (purchasing power: $39,693).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,984/year (purchasing power: $66,155).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Bedford grew 16.3% from $28.56/hr (2019) to $33.22/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.06/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 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 Bedford
For a part-time physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week in Bedford, the annual earnings could substantially differ from those of full-time staff. While per diem and agency positions can offer variability in pay, with typical rates from around $32 to $48 per hour, travel contracts can provide weekly earnings anywhere from $1,200 to $1,800. However, post-2022, the impact of the 15% Medicare cut has made certain settings, primarily skilled nursing facilities, less lucrative due to compressed PTA pay. The hourly rates can also fluctuate based on the type of employer — with outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offering higher pay compared to SNF agencies. While some choose to accept lower hourly rates for the security of health benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly pay without these benefits. As such, careful negotiation is essential, particularly in Bedford’s unique job market, enabling PTAs to align their compensation with their personal and professional needs.
More salary data for Bedford, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Bedford in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Bedford?
Are physical therapist assistants in Bedford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Bedford?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bedford?
Related Pages
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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 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 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