Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in West Orange, NJ: $38.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in West Orange, NJ runs $38.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,245 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against West Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,142 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Orange, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $38.58 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.77. This means part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week can achieve solid income levels, especially in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. With the hourly range for physical therapist assistants in West Orange spanning from $27.75 to $49.18, newcomers to the field can expect to start at the lower end, while experienced professionals can command earnings close to the top tier. It's important to recognize that these hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary data, providing a solid benchmark for those considering a career in this vital role.
About the West Orange 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) | $27.75 | $221.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.95 | $271.62 |
| Median (P50) | $38.58 | $308.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.12 | $352.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.18 | $393.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Orange
Based on $38.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.58/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Orange, NJ can expect to earn approximately $80,236 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,290. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,543.00 | $6,686 | $80,236 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $925.80 | $4,012 | $48,142 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $617.20 | $2,675 | $32,094 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (West Orange) | $38.58 |
| 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 West Orange, NJ earn a median of $80,245 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.23% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $80,893.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.58/hr = $48,142/year (purchasing power: $41,790).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,236/year (purchasing power: $69,650).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in West Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in West Orange grew 16.3% from $32.28/hr (2019) to $37.55/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.63/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 West Orange 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 West Orange
Assessing the financial landscape for part-time physical therapist assistants reveals a well-defined earning potential. A part-time schedule of 24 hours per week would result in an annual income of approximately $45,000, which is a practical consideration for many professionals seeking balance in their work lives. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in West Orange typically ranges between $32 and $48 per hour, providing flexibility but often lacking consistent benefits. Contract positions for travel PTAs offer attractive weekly rates of $1,200 to $1,800, an ideal option for those willing to temporarily relocate. In West Orange, hourly wages can differ notably across various employer types, including outpatient orthopedic practices, rehabilitation centers, and school therapy programs, highlighting a nuanced job market. Additionally, some may lean towards positions with lower pay in exchange for health benefits—an essential consideration for many. For those negotiating their pay, being well-informed about local salary ranges can empower PTAs as they navigate their employment opportunities.
More salary data for West Orange, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in West Orange in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in West Orange?
Are physical therapist assistants in West Orange paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in West Orange?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in West Orange?
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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 West Orange. 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 West Orange 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