Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Piscataway, NJ: $38.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Piscataway, NJ runs $38.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,471 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Piscataway's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,283 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Piscataway, New Jersey, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected at $38.69 per hour in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77 per hour. This hourly rate provides a solid earning potential, particularly for those working part-time in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. Part-time professionals working three days a week can expect to earn a substantial income, while per-diem workers commonly fall into an hourly range between $25.89 and $52.02, illustrating the potential for lucrative wages depending on experience and location. With the growing demand for rehabilitation services, the varying rates available also reflect the entry-level positions and the earning potential for seasoned practitioners within the Piscataway area.
About the Piscataway 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) | $25.89 | $207.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.71 | $261.67 |
| Median (P50) | $38.69 | $309.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.51 | $364.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.02 | $416.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Piscataway
Based on $38.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.69/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Piscataway, NJ can expect to earn approximately $80,471 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,426. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Piscataway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Piscataway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,547.52 | $6,706 | $80,471 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $928.51 | $4,024 | $48,283 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $619.01 | $2,682 | $32,189 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Piscataway) | $38.69 |
| 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 Piscataway, NJ earn a median of $80,471 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.55% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.60% below the New Jersey state average of $80,957.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.69/hr = $48,283/year (purchasing power: $41,912).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,471/year (purchasing power: $69,854).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Piscataway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Piscataway grew 16.3% from $32.38/hr (2019) to $37.66/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.74/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 Piscataway 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 Piscataway
Examining the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants paints a comprehensive picture of their financial landscape. A typical 24-hour workweek can yield around $60,000 annually for those working three days a week, compared to full-time positions, which may offer further financial stability through benefits such as health insurance. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Piscataway often ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, while travel contracts can bring in impressive weekly pay of $1,200 to $1,800. However, agency positions in skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates due to reimbursement cuts enacted by Medicare, impacting PTA pay in essential care settings. When navigating different employer types—such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospitals, and pediatric therapy programs—PTAs should hone their negotiation skills, ensuring all elements, including benefits and work hours, align with their personal and professional goals.
More salary data for Piscataway, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Piscataway in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Piscataway?
Are physical therapist assistants in Piscataway paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Piscataway?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Piscataway?
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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 Piscataway. 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 Piscataway 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