Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Summit, NJ: $36.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Summit, NJ runs $36.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,415 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Summit's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,244 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summit, NJ, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $36.25 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $33.77. This attractive rate is especially significant for part-time workers, such as those taking on 24-hour per week schedules or engaging in per-diem assignments. Typical employment settings for physical therapist assistants include outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments, where flexibility can create appealing opportunities. The hourly pay scale in Summit ranges from $28.09 for entry-level positions (10th percentile) to an impressive $44.93 for top earners (90th percentile), indicating potential for significant earnings as professionals gain experience and expertise. Hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, allowing for a realistic perspective on potential earnings in this dynamic field.
About the Summit 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) | $33.27 | $266.19 |
| Median (P50) | $36.25 | $290.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.47 | $315.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.93 | $359.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Summit
Based on $36.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.25/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Summit, NJ can expect to earn approximately $75,407 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,504. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Summit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Summit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,450.14 | $6,284 | $75,407 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $870.08 | $3,770 | $45,244 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $580.05 | $2,514 | $30,163 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Summit) | $36.25 |
| 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 Summit, NJ earn a median of $75,415 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.36% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 6.80% below the New Jersey state average of $80,918.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.25/hr = $45,244/year (purchasing power: $39,275).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,407/year (purchasing power: $65,458).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Summit grew 16.3% from $30.34/hr (2019) to $35.29/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.24/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 Summit 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 Summit
Examining the part-time earning potential for a physical therapist assistant working three days a week in Summit reveals that one can expect around $28,360 annually, offering a good standard of living while allowing for work-life balance. Many professionals in this role also consider per-diem offers, which typically range from $32 to $48 per hour, with travel contracts providing $1,200 to $1,800 per week. However, it's essential to recognize that agency pay in skilled nursing facilities may have decreased due to a 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements implemented in 2022. The variation in hourly rates depends significantly on the type of employer; while outpatient orthopedic clinics may pay more competitively, other environments like home health agencies or school therapy programs could offer different rates. Some physical therapist assistants might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance; negotiating compensation can involve weighing these benefits against the allure of higher pay. For job seekers and current PTAs alike, understanding the complexities of hourly compensation in Summit is key to making informed career choices.
More salary data for Summit, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Summit in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Summit?
Are physical therapist assistants in Summit paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Summit?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Summit?
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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 Summit. 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 Summit 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