Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Rochester, NH: $34.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Rochester, NH runs $34.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,555 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,539 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rochester, New Hampshire, the projected median hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant is $34.89, surpassing the national median of $33.77. This competitive rate makes physical therapist assistant roles appealing for part-time and per-diem professionals, who may work in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy environments. The hourly pay varies significantly, from $26.24 at the entry-level (P10) to as high as $44.68 for top earners (P90), allowing for a flexible income range based on experience and the specific employment sector. It's essential to recognize that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates projected for 2026, highlighting the dynamic nature of this profession.
About the Rochester 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) | $26.24 | $209.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.55 | $252.39 |
| Median (P50) | $34.89 | $279.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.92 | $319.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.68 | $357.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $34.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.89/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, NH can expect to earn approximately $72,565 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,865. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,395.48 | $6,047 | $72,565 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $837.29 | $3,628 | $43,539 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $558.19 | $2,419 | $29,026 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Rochester) | $34.89 |
| 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 Rochester, NH earn a median of $72,555 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.29% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.70% below the New Hampshire state average of $75,343.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.89/hr = $43,539/year (purchasing power: $40,577).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,565/year (purchasing power: $67,628).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Rochester grew 16.3% from $29.20/hr (2019) to $33.96/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.84/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
Part-time physical therapist assistants who work three days a week, amounting to about 24 hours, can anticipate an annual income of around $43,000, less than their full-time counterparts, who may earn closer to $72,555. For professionals considering per diem opportunities, pay rates range from approximately $32 to $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts offering a lucrative weekly pay of $1,200 to $1,800. Due to the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements for services delivered by PTAs, many may find themselves weighing their options between the relatively lower hourly rates offered at skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, and higher rates at agency or per diem contracts without health benefits. Negotiating salary can be a critical skill; knowing the going rates for outpatient clinics versus inpatient work can help physical therapist assistants in Rochester secure the best possible offers, especially in a landscape affected by recent reimbursement changes.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Rochester in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Rochester?
Are physical therapist assistants in Rochester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Rochester?
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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 Rochester. 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 Rochester 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