Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Princeton, NJ: $37.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Princeton, NJ runs $37.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,009 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Princeton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,411 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Princeton, NJ, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at an estimated $37.99, notably exceeding the national hourly median of $33.77. This robust hourly wage is especially attractive for those considering part-time work in various therapeutic environments, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services. Physical therapist assistants can expect to earn anywhere from $27.17 for entry-level roles to nearly $46.91 for top earners, illustrating the potential for substantial income based on experience and employer type. These figures emphasize the potential benefits of part-time or per-diem positions, allowing flexibility while still offering competitive pay, which is crucial for many qualified professionals balancing personal commitments alongside their careers.
About the Princeton 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) | $27.17 | $217.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.32 | $266.52 |
| Median (P50) | $37.99 | $303.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.52 | $340.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.91 | $375.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Princeton
Based on $37.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.99/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Princeton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $79,018 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,587. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Princeton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Princeton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,519.58 | $6,585 | $79,018 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $911.75 | $3,951 | $47,411 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $607.83 | $2,634 | $31,607 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Princeton) | $37.99 |
| 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 Princeton, NJ earn a median of $79,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.47% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $80,951.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.99/hr = $47,411/year (purchasing power: $41,155).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,018/year (purchasing power: $68,592).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Princeton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Princeton grew 16.3% from $31.79/hr (2019) to $36.98/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.03/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 Princeton 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 Princeton
Looking at the broader implications of earnings for part-time physical therapist assistants, those working three days a week can bring home a significant amount, even if it doesn't equate to full-time salaries. Such positions typically yield around $46,793 annually based on 24 hours of work per week. For per-diem physical therapist assistants in Princeton, pay rates often vary significantly; while they can charge $32 to $48 per hour, contracted travel PTAs might earn much higher weekly pay ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. It's essential to consider that hourly wages may fluctuate depending on the employer—outpatient clinics, skilled nursing homes, or pediatric therapy practices often present differing rates. Moreover, many PTAs face the decision of accepting lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance. As such, PTAs can benefit from negotiating terms that align with their financial and personal needs in the vibrant healthcare community of Princeton.
More salary data for Princeton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Princeton in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Princeton?
Are physical therapist assistants in Princeton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Princeton?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Princeton?
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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 Princeton. 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 Princeton 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