Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Hamilton, NJ: $37.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Hamilton, NJ runs $37.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,657 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Hamilton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,193 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hamilton, New Jersey, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a competitive $37.81, which significantly exceeds the national hourly median of $33.77. This robust rate benefits both part-time and per-diem workers, especially those employed in various settings including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health. For those working three days a week, the hourly pay facilitates a comfortable living while allowing flexibility in work-life balance. The hourly range spans from $26.92 for entry-level positions to $49.03 for the most experienced professionals, highlighting substantial earnings potential for skilled practitioners. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates; therefore, actual hourly earnings reflect various levels of expertise and the demand for services in the local market.
About the Hamilton 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) | $26.92 | $215.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.21 | $265.70 |
| Median (P50) | $37.81 | $302.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.49 | $347.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.03 | $392.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hamilton
Based on $37.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.81/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hamilton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $78,655 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,378. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hamilton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hamilton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,512.60 | $6,555 | $78,655 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $907.56 | $3,933 | $47,193 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $605.04 | $2,622 | $31,462 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Hamilton) | $37.81 |
| 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 Hamilton, NJ earn a median of $78,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.97% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.80% below the New Jersey state average of $80,923.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.81/hr = $47,193/year (purchasing power: $40,966).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,655/year (purchasing power: $68,277).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hamilton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Hamilton grew 16.3% from $31.65/hr (2019) to $36.81/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.85/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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton
Examining the earnings of part-time physical therapist assistants in Hamilton reveals interesting dynamics. A typical three-day work schedule could yield around $58,270 annually, a solid income compared to many professions, but still a fraction of what full-time PTAs earn. Per-diem opportunities present different earning realities, as these workers often bill between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel contracts offering $1,200 to $1,800 per week. However, the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA services has pressured pay rates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. Based on employer type, hourly rates can vary, with outpatient clinics generally offering higher compensation compared to home health agencies. While some assistants opt for lower hourly rates that include health benefits, others may negotiate for higher pay without the safety net of insurance. For those considering career advancement, exploring PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways could open doors to increased earnings and professional growth in the healthcare market.
More salary data for Hamilton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Hamilton in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Hamilton?
Are physical therapist assistants in Hamilton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Hamilton?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hamilton?
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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 Hamilton. 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 Hamilton 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