Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Utica, NY: $29.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Utica, NY runs $29.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,607 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Utica's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,962 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Utica, New York, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $29.62, reflecting a notable difference when compared to the national hourly median of $33.77. This hourly rate is essential for part-time and per-diem workers who often seek flexible schedules while working in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. For those entering the profession, hourly rates range from $20.77 at the lower end to $36.16 for top earners. Such figures highlight the potential earning opportunities available across various healthcare facilities, showcasing the demand for skilled PTAs in this area, as backed by the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.77 | $166.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.60 | $220.83 |
| Median (P50) | $29.62 | $236.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.90 | $263.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.16 | $289.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Utica
Based on $29.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.62/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Utica, NY can expect to earn approximately $61,603 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,540. With a cost-of-living index of 92.68 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Utica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Utica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,184.68 | $5,134 | $61,603 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.81 | $3,080 | $36,962 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.87 | $2,053 | $24,641 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Utica) | $29.62 |
| 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 Utica, NY earn a median of $61,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.30% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.70% below the New York state average of $62,673.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.62/hr = $36,962/year (purchasing power: $39,882).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,603/year (purchasing power: $66,470).
CoL index: 92.678 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Utica grew 23.8% from $23.29/hr (2019) to $28.83/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.43/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 Utica 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 Utica
For a physical therapist assistant working part-time—say three days a week, totaling around 24 hours—annual earnings will significantly differ from full-time positions. While part-timers may take home less overall, they still benefit from a more balanced work-life schedule. On the other hand, per diem physical therapist assistants can command higher hourly rates, generally billing between $32 and $48, particularly when taking on travel contracts that yield weekly pay between $1,200 and $1,800. With variations in hourly rates across different employer types in Utica, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and pediatric therapy programs, many PTAs must consider whether to prioritize higher pay without benefits or potentially lower pay with essential health insurance. Negotiation strategies in this local market can be crucial; understanding the demand in specific settings can empower PTAs to advocate for better compensation based on their expertise and the realities of healthcare reimbursement trends, especially given the ongoing impact of the 15% Medicare cut on PTA-provided services.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Utica in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Utica?
Are physical therapist assistants in Utica paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Utica?
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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 Utica. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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