Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Woodbridge, NJ: $39.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Woodbridge, NJ runs $39.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,019 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Woodbridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,206 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woodbridge, New Jersey, a physical therapist assistant can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $39.43. This figure is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.77, reflecting the local demand and cost of living considerations. For those considering part-time work, such as a schedule of three days a week, this rate translates to a substantial income for a flexible work lifestyle, which is common in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. Additionally, hourly wages vary in Woodbridge from about $25.81 for entry-level positions to as much as $54.01 for experienced professionals, which presents a robust earning potential for physical therapist assistants at different stages in their careers. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections, highlighting a trend toward competitive hourly compensation in the region.
About the Woodbridge 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) | $25.81 | $206.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.31 | $282.47 |
| Median (P50) | $39.43 | $315.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.80 | $374.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.01 | $432.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woodbridge
Based on $39.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.43/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woodbridge, NJ can expect to earn approximately $82,010 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,313. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Woodbridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woodbridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,577.11 | $6,834 | $82,010 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $946.27 | $4,100 | $49,206 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $630.84 | $2,734 | $32,804 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Woodbridge) | $39.43 |
| 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 Woodbridge, NJ earn a median of $82,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.76% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $80,886.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.43/hr = $49,206/year (purchasing power: $42,713).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,010/year (purchasing power: $71,189).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Woodbridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Woodbridge grew 16.3% from $33.00/hr (2019) to $38.38/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.50/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 Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge
Those working part-time at 24 hours a week could net around $61,224 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts but still providing a livable income given Woodbridge's cost of living index of 115.2. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Woodbridge usually falls between $32 and $48 per hour, positioning these professionals to earn competitively without the commitment of a full schedule. However, with the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut to PTA-provided services, many agencies have seen fluctuations in pay, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. Here, while some may accept lower hourly rates for the stability of health benefits, others might seek higher pay without benefits at outpatient orthopedic clinics or home health agencies. Understanding these dynamics is vital for effective negotiation; knowing the varying rates across practices and leveraging local job market conditions can empower PTAs to advocate for better compensation in Woodbridge.
More salary data for Woodbridge, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Woodbridge in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Woodbridge?
Are physical therapist assistants in Woodbridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Woodbridge?
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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 Woodbridge. 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 Woodbridge 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