Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Clifton, NJ: $38.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Clifton, NJ runs $38.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,427 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Clifton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,655 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clifton, New Jersey, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected at $38.18 for 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.77. This competitive pay reflects the demand for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For those working part-time—say, three days a week—this hourly rate offers a solid income while allowing flexibility in scheduling. The estimated hourly range for PTAs in Clifton spans from $27.81 at entry-level positions to $51.75 for experienced practitioners, providing pathways for growth and specialization. These figures are based on annual salary estimates derived from BLS data, emphasizing the possible earnings from per-diem work as well.
About the Clifton 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) | $27.81 | $222.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.97 | $271.78 |
| Median (P50) | $38.18 | $305.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.87 | $342.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.75 | $413.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clifton
Based on $38.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.18/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clifton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $79,424 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,822. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clifton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clifton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,527.39 | $6,619 | $79,424 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $916.43 | $3,971 | $47,655 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $610.96 | $2,647 | $31,770 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Clifton) | $38.18 |
| 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 Clifton, NJ earn a median of $79,427 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.07% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $80,965.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.18/hr = $47,655/year (purchasing power: $41,367).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,424/year (purchasing power: $68,945).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Clifton grew 16.3% from $31.96/hr (2019) to $37.17/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.23/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 Clifton 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 Clifton
Analyzing the earning potential for PTAs reveals that part-time professionals working an average of 24 hours a week can expect to make a considerable income over the year without committing to a full-time schedule. Conversely, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Clifton typically falls between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel contracts yielding weekly earnings of $1,200 to $1,800. However, the economic landscape following the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements for PTA services may have influenced pay rates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where agency staff might witness compressed wages. Different settings result in varying hourly rates: outpatient orthopedic clinics generally pay more than home health or school-based positions. For those negotiating salaries, keeping in mind the trade-off between higher hourly rates with no benefits and lower, yet insured positions is crucial for making informed career decisions. Therefore, as PTAs consider their options, approaching negotiations with flexibility while understanding their market value in Clifton is essential.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Clifton in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Clifton?
Are physical therapist assistants in Clifton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Clifton?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Clifton?
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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 Clifton. 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 Clifton 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