Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in North Tonawanda, NY: $28.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in North Tonawanda, NY runs $28.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,859 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against North Tonawanda's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,911 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Tonawanda, NY, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $28.77 in 2026, which is lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This wage significantly influences the earning potential for part-time workers who might commit to three days a week. For example, working 24 hours each week at this rate results in approximately $1,200 before taxes. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in this area spans from $21.25 at the lower end to $37.37 for those at the top of the pay scale. Many professionals in this role will find employment in various settings, including outpatient clinics, nursing facilities, home health contexts, and pediatrics, where pay may fluctuate based on the demand and complexity of care provided.
About the North Tonawanda 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) | $21.25 | $170.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.76 | $206.12 |
| Median (P50) | $28.77 | $230.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.32 | $266.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.37 | $298.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Tonawanda
Based on $28.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.77/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Tonawanda, NY can expect to earn approximately $59,851 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,530. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in North Tonawanda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Tonawanda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,150.99 | $4,988 | $59,851 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $690.59 | $2,993 | $35,911 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.39 | $1,995 | $23,941 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (North Tonawanda) | $28.77 |
| 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 North Tonawanda, NY earn a median of $59,859 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.79% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.50% below the New York state average of $62,679.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.77/hr = $35,911/year (purchasing power: $30,984).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,851/year (purchasing power: $51,640).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in North Tonawanda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in North Tonawanda grew 16.3% from $24.08/hr (2019) to $28.01/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.56/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 North Tonawanda 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 North Tonawanda
Considering the realities of part-time positions, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours per week can expect an annual income of around $62,400, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. The per diem physical therapist assistant pay in North Tonawanda often ranges between $32 and $48 per hour, indicating a preference for flexibility among PTAs who may choose agency work. While 2022 Medicare cuts adversely impacted compensation in skilled nursing facilities, many clinics still provide competitive pay based on their patient demographics. Different employer types, such as outpatient orthopedics or home health agencies, further influence hourly rates. While some PTAs may accept lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may seek opportunities that prioritize higher hourly wages over stability. Professionals should also hone their negotiation skills, as presenting their competencies can lead to better compensation packages, particularly in a fluctuating job market.
More salary data for North Tonawanda, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in North Tonawanda in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in North Tonawanda?
Are physical therapist assistants in North Tonawanda paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in North Tonawanda?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in North Tonawanda?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 North Tonawanda. 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 North Tonawanda 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