Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Ithaca, NY: $29.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Ithaca, NY runs $29.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,756 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Ithaca's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,052 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ithaca, NY, physical therapist assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $29.69, which sits below the national average of $33.77 per hour. This rate is particularly relevant for professionals considering part-time jobs in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. For those working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this hourly rate translates into significant income potential, catering to various living arrangements and work-life balances. Entry-level physical therapist assistants can earn approximately $21.04 per hour, while more experienced professionals can achieve rates upwards of $36.50 per hour, especially in specialized pediatric or rehabilitation settings. These hourly figures derive from annual salary estimates, providing a glimpse into the financial landscape that PTAs can anticipate in 2026.
About the Ithaca 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) | $21.04 | $168.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.90 | $207.19 |
| Median (P50) | $29.69 | $237.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.05 | $264.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.50 | $292.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ithaca
Based on $29.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.69/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ithaca, NY can expect to earn approximately $61,753 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,627. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ithaca.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ithaca
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,187.56 | $5,146 | $61,753 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $712.54 | $3,088 | $37,052 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $475.02 | $2,058 | $24,701 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Ithaca) | $29.69 |
| 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 Ithaca, NY earn a median of $61,756 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.09% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.50% below the New York state average of $62,697.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.69/hr = $37,052/year (purchasing power: $31,969).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,753/year (purchasing power: $53,281).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Ithaca grew 16.3% from $24.85/hr (2019) to $28.90/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.50/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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca
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Focusing on the earning potential, a part-time physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week in Ithaca could expect to take home about $36,952 annually, which is significantly less than what a full-time assistant would earn. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Ithaca ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, providing flexible job opportunities but often lacking benefits. Travel PTA contracts can yield earnings between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly, making them attractive for those willing to relocate temporarily for higher pay. Hourly rates fluctuate across various employer types; outpatient orthopedic clinics typically pay more compared to skilled nursing facilities, where the impact of the 2022 Medicare cut has strained budgets. Thus, some PTAs may opt for lower-paying positions with comprehensive benefits, trading off between hourly wages and healthcare coverage. When negotiating hourly pay, emphasize your experience and specialization to maximize potential earnings, which can be crucial in a competitive field like physical therapy in Ithaca.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Ithaca in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Ithaca?
Are physical therapist assistants in Ithaca paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Ithaca?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ithaca?
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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 Ithaca. 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 Ithaca 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