Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Hempstead, NY: $29.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Hempstead, NY runs $29.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,512 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Hempstead's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,308 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For physical therapist assistants in Hempstead, NY, the projected hourly rate stands at $29.09 in 2026, significantly below the national median hourly pay of $33.77. This hourly pay structure allows those in the field flexibility, catering to both part-time and per-diem employment scenarios. For example, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week can expect a stable income while enjoying work-life balance, especially in settings like outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy locations. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in Hempstead spans from $20.31 at the entry-level to $38.48 for experienced professionals, illustrating the diverse earning potentials based on experience and setting. Hourly estimates are derived from annual salary information, providing a solid foundation for understanding the local pay dynamics.
About the Hempstead Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.31 | $162.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.32 | $202.58 |
| Median (P50) | $29.09 | $232.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.84 | $270.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.48 | $307.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hempstead
Based on $29.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.09/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hempstead, NY can expect to earn approximately $60,514 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,912. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hempstead.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hempstead
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,163.73 | $5,043 | $60,514 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $698.24 | $3,026 | $36,308 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.49 | $2,017 | $24,205 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Hempstead) | $29.09 |
| 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 Hempstead, NY earn a median of $60,512 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.86% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.50% below the New York state average of $62,707.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.09/hr = $36,308/year (purchasing power: $31,327).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,514/year (purchasing power: $52,212).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hempstead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Hempstead grew 16.3% from $24.35/hr (2019) to $28.32/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.89/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 Hempstead 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 Hempstead
Analyzing the pay landscape further, a part-time physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week could see annual earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, affecting long-term financial stability. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Hempstead typically ranges from $32 to $48, with opportunities in areas such as home health or travel which can yield contracts paying between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. However, the impact of recent Medicare cuts has led to reduced pay in skilled nursing facilities, presenting a complex trade-off between lower hourly rates that might offer health insurance versus higher rates without benefits. Employers vary widely in compensation based on their operational model; outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospitals may have distinct pay structures compared to home health agencies or pediatric clinics. It's crucial for physical therapist assistants to negotiate wisely in this competitive environment, particularly in navigating discussions around benefits and pay, ensuring alignment with their financial and healthcare needs.
More salary data for Hempstead, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Hempstead in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Hempstead?
Are physical therapist assistants in Hempstead paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Hempstead?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hempstead?
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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 Hempstead. 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 Hempstead 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