Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Westerly, RI: $31.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Westerly, RI runs $31.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,929 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Westerly's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,552 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For physical therapist assistants in Westerly, Rhode Island, the projected median hourly pay for 2026 is $31.69. This figure is slightly lower than the national median of $33.77, indicating that while the pay in Westerly is competitive, it may not fully match opportunities found elsewhere in the country. Part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, can still expect a decent income, making it a viable option for those managing other commitments. In terms of hourly pay scale, entry-level positions start at approximately $24.63, while top earners can command up to $39.31 per hour. These rates reflect estimates derived from annual salary data, underscoring the variability in earnings based on experience and specific employment settings, which include outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health contexts.
About the Westerly 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) | $24.63 | $197.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.17 | $233.32 |
| Median (P50) | $31.69 | $253.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.59 | $276.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.31 | $314.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westerly
Based on $31.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.69/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westerly, RI can expect to earn approximately $65,920 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,031. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westerly.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westerly
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,267.69 | $5,493 | $65,920 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $760.61 | $3,296 | $39,552 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.08 | $2,197 | $26,368 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Westerly) | $31.69 |
| 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 Westerly, RI earn a median of $65,929 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.15% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 6.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $70,588.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.69/hr = $39,552/year (purchasing power: $39,355).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,920/year (purchasing power: $65,592).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Westerly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Westerly grew 16.3% from $26.52/hr (2019) to $30.85/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.56/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 Westerly 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 Westerly
When assessing earning potential, part-time physical therapist assistants in Westerly working 24 hours a week bring home around $39,689 annually—significantly less than full-time counterparts but manageable given their scheduling flexibility. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in the area is generally pegged between $32 and $48 per hour, providing an attractive option for many looking for supplemental income. However, travel contracts for PTAs can generate even higher weekly pay, ranging from $1,200 to $1,800, although premium pay for agency positions has seen a decline due to the 2022 Medicare payment cuts. Hourly rates vary depending on the type of employer, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often offering competitive salaries, while skilled nursing facilities may see lower pay rates. Physical therapist assistants may need to balance their hourly rates with the availability of health benefits—a trade-off many consider when deciding between private clinics and larger organizations. Negotiation for better salaries is crucial in a competitive field; focusing on relevant experience and specialized skills can help in securing favorable terms with local employers in Westerly.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Westerly in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Westerly?
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How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Westerly?
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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 Westerly. 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 Westerly 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