Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Warwick, RI: $36.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Warwick, RI runs $36.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,623 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Warwick's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,372 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Warwick, Rhode Island, the projected physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at $36.36, exceeding the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This competitive hourly wage is significant for various employment arrangements, whether part-time or per-diem. For a physical therapist assistant working three days a week, this rate can sustain a comfortable lifestyle, particularly in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health settings. Those just entering the profession can expect to earn around $25.10 per hour, while top earners might make up to $47.73 an hour, reflecting a strong demand for skilled professionals in the field.
About the Warwick 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) | $25.10 | $200.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.43 | $251.40 |
| Median (P50) | $36.36 | $290.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.08 | $336.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.73 | $381.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Warwick
Based on $36.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.36/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Warwick, RI can expect to earn approximately $75,621 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,627. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Warwick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Warwick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,454.25 | $6,302 | $75,621 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $872.55 | $3,781 | $45,372 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $581.70 | $2,521 | $30,248 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Warwick) | $36.36 |
| 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 Warwick, RI earn a median of $75,623 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.65% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 7.10% above the Rhode Island state average of $70,609.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.36/hr = $45,372/year (purchasing power: $45,147).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,621/year (purchasing power: $75,245).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Warwick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Warwick grew 16.3% from $30.43/hr (2019) to $35.39/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.35/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 Warwick 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 Warwick
Part-time physical therapist assistants in Warwick earning $36.36 per hour would take home approximately $28,368 annually, based on a typical 24-hour week. In contrast, full-time positions can lead to more substantial earnings, benefiting from PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways and other growth opportunities. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Warwick typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, depending on the setting and demand. Fluency in diverse environments, from orthopedic clinics to pediatric facilities, means varying pay structures. For example, skilled nursing facility agency rates may face downward pressure due to a reduction in Medicare reimbursement since 2022. Those looking to negotiate their hourly rate should consider the benefits of employer-sponsored health insurance versus the allure of higher rates in agency positions without benefits, adapting their choices based on their financial needs and career aspirations.
More salary data for Warwick, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Warwick in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Warwick?
Are physical therapist assistants in Warwick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Warwick?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Warwick?
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 Warwick. 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 Warwick 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