Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Manchester, NJ: $37.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Manchester, NJ runs $37.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,960 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,770 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, New Jersey, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $37.48, which is significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This favorable pay scale opens up a variety of working opportunities, making it especially appealing for part-time professionals and per-diem workers. For those who typically work three days a week, or around 24 hours, the hourly earnings can support a reasonable income while allowing for flexibility. The hourly wage range varies from $28.09 at the entry level to $49.39 for top earners. Usually, these pay rates are derived from annual salary estimates, so understanding the implications of hourly rates is crucial for those in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing rehabilitation, home health visits, hospital settings, or pediatric therapy environments.
About the Manchester 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) | $28.09 | $224.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.94 | $271.54 |
| Median (P50) | $37.48 | $299.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.52 | $332.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.39 | $395.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $37.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.48/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, NJ can expect to earn approximately $77,950 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,971. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,499.04 | $6,496 | $77,950 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $899.42 | $3,897 | $46,770 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $599.61 | $2,598 | $31,180 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Manchester) | $37.48 |
| 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 Manchester, NJ earn a median of $77,960 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $80,955.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.48/hr = $46,770/year (purchasing power: $40,599).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,950/year (purchasing power: $67,665).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Manchester grew 16.3% from $31.36/hr (2019) to $36.48/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.50/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
Examining the earning potential for a part-time physical therapist assistant reveals that working 24 hours a week could yield a decent annual income versus a full-time PTA, depending on the specific work arrangement. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Manchester can range between $32 to $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts offering weekly earnings of $1,200 to $1,800. However, adjustments in reimbursement from Medicare cuts have impacted pay for those in skilled nursing facilities. This makes it essential for PTAs to understand the nuances of employer types in Manchester, as outpatient clinics may offer different pay scales versus skilled nursing rehabilitation or pediatric settings. Many professionals find a balance between hourly pay and benefits by considering the trade-offs—some may accept lower hourly rates for comprehensive health insurance, while others may pursue higher pay without those benefits. When negotiating hourly compensation, knowledge about local market rates, the specific employer's reputation, and personal qualifications can lead to more favorable outcomes.
More salary data for Manchester, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Manchester in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Manchester?
Are physical therapist assistants in Manchester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Manchester?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Manchester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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