Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in South Kingstown, RI: $32.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in South Kingstown, RI runs $32.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,015 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against South Kingstown's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,206 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, can expect a median hourly pay of $32.22, which sits slightly below the national median of $33.77. This rate offers competitive compensation for part-time opportunities, particularly when considering a typical schedule of three days per week. Many PTAs may find themselves working across a variety of settings, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. At the entry level, pay begins at about $23.37, while those at the higher end of their career can earn up to $41.54 per hour. It's essential to recognize that these hourly figures are derived from projected annual salaries and reflect the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in the region.
About the South Kingstown 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) | $23.37 | $186.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.60 | $228.80 |
| Median (P50) | $32.22 | $257.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.04 | $296.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.54 | $332.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Kingstown
Based on $32.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.22/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Kingstown, RI can expect to earn approximately $67,010 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,659. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Kingstown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Kingstown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,288.65 | $5,584 | $67,010 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $773.19 | $3,350 | $40,206 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.46 | $2,234 | $26,804 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (South Kingstown) | $32.22 |
| 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 South Kingstown, RI earn a median of $67,015 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.60% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $70,616.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.22/hr = $40,206/year (purchasing power: $40,006).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,010/year (purchasing power: $66,676).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in South Kingstown grew 16.3% from $26.96/hr (2019) to $31.36/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.10/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 South Kingstown 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 South Kingstown
For physical therapist assistants pursuing part-time roles, those working 24 hours per week can anticipate a significant difference in annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. The lucrative world of per diem work reveals that PTAs often bill between $32 and $48 per hour; however, travel contracts can yield even higher returns, estimating between $1,200 and $1,800 per week. Notably, due to the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut effective since 2022, agency work within skilled nursing facilities may have seen diminished premium pay. Different employment types in South Kingstown also come with varying rates. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies often have unique compensation packages, which might include benefits or higher pay rates depending on patient demographics and geographic considerations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for negotiating worth effectively, particularly balancing hourly pay against benefits like health insurance. When preparing for discussions about compensation, being informed about the local market and regional trends will greatly enhance one's ability to secure the best possible terms.
More salary data for South Kingstown, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in South Kingstown in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in South Kingstown?
Are physical therapist assistants in South Kingstown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in South Kingstown?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in South Kingstown?
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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 South Kingstown. 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 South Kingstown 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