Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Camden, NJ: $34.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Camden, NJ runs $34.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,738 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Camden's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,039 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Camden, NJ, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $34.49, which slightly exceeds the national median of $33.77. This rate reflects the potential for both part-time and per-diem positions within various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For those working three days a week, the hourly pay can make a significant impact on their income, especially when considering the range from $24.28 for entry-level positions to $45.59 for more experienced practitioners. These hourly figures are derived from projected annual salaries, allowing a practical view of what PTAs can expect on a weekly basis as they navigate their careers in Camden.
About the Camden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.28 | $194.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.06 | $240.47 |
| Median (P50) | $34.49 | $275.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.21 | $321.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.59 | $364.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Camden
Based on $34.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.49/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Camden, NJ can expect to earn approximately $71,732 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,384. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Camden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Camden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,379.46 | $5,978 | $71,732 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $827.68 | $3,587 | $43,039 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $551.78 | $2,391 | $28,693 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Camden) | $34.49 |
| 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 Camden, NJ earn a median of $71,738 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.12% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 11.40% below the New Jersey state average of $80,969.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.49/hr = $43,039/year (purchasing power: $37,360).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,732/year (purchasing power: $62,267).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Camden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Camden grew 16.3% from $28.86/hr (2019) to $33.57/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.43/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 Camden 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 Camden
For a physical therapist assistant working part-time (approximately 24 hours per week), the take-home income can vary significantly from a full-time schedule. Part-time PTAs might earn a projected income of around $42,421 annually, which could be appealing for those balancing other commitments. Per-diem work often reflects billing rates between $32 and $48 per hour; however, travel PTA contracts could yield $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. Unfortunately, the onset of the 15% Medicare cuts since 2022 has altered payment structures, notably affecting skilled nursing facility reimbursements and, consequently, PTA hourly wages. Moreover, hourly rates differ largely depending on the workplace. For example, outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer higher earnings than school therapy programs, where benefits may be lower, creating a trade-off between hourly wages and health insurance packages. Negotiating effectively, especially in Camden, involves understanding these nuances and balancing the desire for a higher hourly rate against the security that some employers offer through benefits.
More salary data for Camden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Camden in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Camden?
Are physical therapist assistants in Camden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Camden?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Camden?
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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 Camden. 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 Camden 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