Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Linden, NJ: $38.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Linden, NJ runs $38.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,228 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Linden's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,539 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Linden, NJ, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $38.09, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $33.77. This attractive rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time workers and per-diem professionals, particularly in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. Entry-level PTAs can expect to earn around $26.58 per hour, while top earners may reach an hourly rate of $47.59. Such competitive pay enables physical therapist assistants in Linden to enjoy a stable income while working anything from a three-day workweek to flexible per-diem arrangements. Hourly rates across different settings are projected from annual salary estimates, reflecting a growing demand for these essential healthcare providers.
About the Linden 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) | $26.58 | $212.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.92 | $263.40 |
| Median (P50) | $38.09 | $304.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.98 | $343.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.59 | $380.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Linden
Based on $38.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.09/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Linden, NJ can expect to earn approximately $79,232 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,711. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Linden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Linden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,523.69 | $6,603 | $79,232 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $914.21 | $3,962 | $47,539 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $609.48 | $2,641 | $31,693 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Linden) | $38.09 |
| 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 Linden, NJ earn a median of $79,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.78% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $80,928.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.09/hr = $47,539/year (purchasing power: $41,267).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,232/year (purchasing power: $68,778).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Linden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Linden grew 16.3% from $31.88/hr (2019) to $37.08/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.13/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 Linden 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 Linden
Considering part-time work, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week could take home around $59,754 annually, a figure that adjusts significantly compared to a full-time income. For those in per-diem roles, hourly compensation typically falls between $32 and $48, with travel contracts providing a more lucrative option at $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. However, the recent cuts to Medicare reimbursements, totaling 15% from 2022, have affected earnings, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where premiums have decreased. Hourly rates often vary based on the employer type in Linden; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer better pay than pediatric or school therapy programs. PTAs must weigh the benefits of stable income with health insurance versus higher pay without benefits in negotiation settings. Understanding the local market and cultivating negotiation skills are paramount for physical therapist assistants in Linden, NJ, to secure optimal hourly pay while navigating their career paths.
More salary data for Linden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Linden in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Linden?
Are physical therapist assistants in Linden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Linden?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Linden?
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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 Linden. 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 Linden 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