Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Passaic, NJ: $38.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Passaic, NJ runs $38.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,208 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Passaic's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,526 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Passaic, NJ, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $38.08, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.77. This competitive rate not only reflects the growing demand for PTAs in various healthcare settings but also offers promising opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers who often seek flexible schedules. For example, a typical part-time PTA working three days a week can expect to make approximately $1,135 weekly, enhancing the appeal of positions in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. With an hourly range spanning from $27.56 for entry-level positions to $51.40 for the most experienced practitioners, Passaic presents a viable market for those entering the field or looking to advance their careers. These hourly rates are derived from data projected based on 2025 BLS estimates, which further showcases the growth potential in this profession.
About the Passaic 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) | $27.56 | $220.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.76 | $270.06 |
| Median (P50) | $38.08 | $304.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.91 | $359.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.40 | $411.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Passaic
Based on $38.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.08/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Passaic, NJ can expect to earn approximately $79,211 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,698. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Passaic.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Passaic
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,523.28 | $6,601 | $79,211 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $913.97 | $3,961 | $47,526 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $609.31 | $2,640 | $31,684 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Passaic) | $38.08 |
| 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 Passaic, NJ earn a median of $79,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $80,907.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.08/hr = $47,526/year (purchasing power: $41,256).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,211/year (purchasing power: $68,759).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Passaic (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Passaic grew 16.3% from $31.87/hr (2019) to $37.07/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.12/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 Passaic 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 Passaic
Looking deeper into the earning potential within this field, a part-time physical therapist assistant working a 24-hour week would take home around $59,023 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart reaping the benefits of stable income and potential advancement opportunities. The landscape for per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Passaic varies widely, with professionals typically billing between $32 and $48 per hour, while those on travel contracts can command weekly earnings of $1,200 to $1,800. However, the ongoing 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement for PTA services since 2022 has pressured pay rates, especially in skilled nursing facilities. Different employer types offer contrasting compensation packages, with a trade-off between hourly pay and benefits such as health insurance. Those aiming to negotiate better wages should consider the various settings—outpatient clinics may offer higher hourly rates but possibly less stability, while hospitals often include benefits that can offset lower pay. Understanding these dynamics will be crucial for PTAs in Passaic navigating their career pathways.
More salary data for Passaic, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Passaic in 2026?
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Are physical therapist assistants in Passaic paid hourly or salary?
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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 Passaic. 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 Passaic 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