Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in East Providence, RI: $33.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in East Providence, RI runs $33.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,979 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against East Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,988 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Providence, the projected median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants is $33.64, which is slightly below the national median of $33.77. This rate reflects the compensation for those working in diverse environments such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health settings, and pediatric therapy. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, this hourly wage could translate into a realistic income; for instance, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week may find it practical to adjust their schedules to meet personal and financial goals while earning anywhere from $24.14 to $42.84 per hour, depending on their experience and skill level. Overall, entry-level positions may start on the lower end of this scale, while more seasoned professionals can command top-tier wages, largely informed by their clinical expertise and the specific demands of their work environment.
About the East Providence Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.14 | $193.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.60 | $236.77 |
| Median (P50) | $33.64 | $269.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.42 | $307.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.84 | $342.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Providence
Based on $33.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.64/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $69,980 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,373. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,345.76 | $5,832 | $69,980 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $807.46 | $3,499 | $41,988 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $538.31 | $2,333 | $27,992 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (East Providence) | $33.64 |
| 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 East Providence, RI earn a median of $69,979 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.38% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $70,614.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.64/hr = $41,988/year (purchasing power: $41,779).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,980/year (purchasing power: $69,632).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in East Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in East Providence grew 16.3% from $28.16/hr (2019) to $32.75/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.56/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 East Providence 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 East Providence
When evaluating the earning potential as a physical therapist assistant in East Providence, one must consider the options of part-time employment versus full-time roles. For a PTA working 24 hours a week, the annual income typically falls short of what full-timers can achieve, though it still represents a reasonable income depending on personal circumstances. Per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in East Providence often ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, allowing flexibility for those who prefer to work on their own terms. However, agency roles in skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates post-2022 Medicare cuts, impacting earnings significantly. Different employer types yield variable hourly rates, as outpatient clinics and hospital settings often pay more than home health agencies. Additionally, PTAs should weigh the trade-offs between hourly rates and the benefits they receive. For those prioritizing job security and benefits, a lower hourly pay may be worth the trade-off, while others may seek negotiation strategies to maximize their hourly wage, ensuring they align it with their career aspirations and personal situations.
More salary data for East Providence, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in East Providence in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in East Providence?
Are physical therapist assistants in East Providence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in East Providence?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in East Providence?
Related Pages
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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 East Providence. 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 East Providence 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