Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Newport, RI: $32.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Newport, RI runs $32.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,870 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Newport's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,719 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newport, Rhode Island, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $32.63 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $33.77. This rate offers a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers in a variety of environments such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. For those who work part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly pay allows for a manageable balance between work and personal life while still earning a decent income. The hourly range in Newport varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $23.49 and experienced professionals earning up to $41.71. It's essential to understand that these figures are estimated based on annual data, which frames the earning potential for physical therapist assistants in this picturesque coastal city.
About the Newport 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) | $23.49 | $187.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.74 | $229.95 |
| Median (P50) | $32.63 | $261.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.29 | $298.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.71 | $333.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newport
Based on $32.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.63/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newport, RI can expect to earn approximately $67,864 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,152. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,305.08 | $5,655 | $67,864 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $783.05 | $3,393 | $40,719 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $522.03 | $2,262 | $27,146 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Newport) | $32.63 |
| 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 Newport, RI earn a median of $67,870 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.38% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $70,624.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.63/hr = $40,719/year (purchasing power: $40,516).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,864/year (purchasing power: $67,527).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Newport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Newport grew 16.3% from $27.31/hr (2019) to $31.76/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.52/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 Newport 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 Newport
Examining part-time earnings, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week will pull in around $40,630 annually, a figure that illustrates the viability of part-time arrangements. Per-diem positions typically offer rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, creating an attractive option for those seeking flexibility. However, the impact of Medicare cuts since 2022 has led to reduced hourly pay in settings heavily reliant on Medicare reimbursement, such as skilled nursing facilities. In Newport, hourly rates can also vary depending on the employer type—outpatient orthopedic clinics often pay differently from hospital rehab units or pediatric therapy settings. Some PTAs might accept lower hourly wages for the benefits that come with full-time positions, while others might prefer higher pay without health insurance. When negotiating hourly wages in Newport, highlighting specific skills and experience can enhance earning potential, making it crucial for new graduates from PTA programs to equip themselves with both clinical skills and business acumen.
More salary data for Newport, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Newport in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Newport?
Are physical therapist assistants in Newport paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Newport?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Newport?
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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 Newport. 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 Newport 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